November 13, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
The American Cancer Society invites you to make a special donation in honor or in memory of a loved one during the holiday season through “Love Lights a Tree”.
A brand new special memory board will be made by shop classes at DeKalb County High School to replace the older one which has been used for many years. The board will be placed on the south side of the courthouse by Saturday, December 4 in time for the Smithville Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square. Again the board will list the names of loved ones. This year high school students will be volunteering their time to put the names on the board so those wanting to honor or remember someone by having a name placed on the board are urged to make a donation of $5.00 per name as soon as possible so it can be displayed by the time the board is erected.
Iva Dell Randolph, who heads up the Love Lights Tree fundraiser, said she appreciates the help of teachers and students in the DCHS Career Technical Education Programs including Director Brad Leach.
“We are going to have a new board this year. We are glad to have the shop classes at the high school building the board for us. It was time to replace the one we have had for many years. We are also happy that some of the students have volunteered to put the names on the board for us this year. I urge everyone to help us get as many names as we can on the board now before it goes up by December 4 ,” said Randolph.
“We hope to count on your continued support for Love Lights A Tree again this year and we certainly appreciate all you have done in the past. It’s a good way to remember those who have gone on before us and to honor those still with us,” said Randolph.
The names are in “honor of” and in “memory of” for a donation of five-dollars per name. Forms may be obtained at the local banks. For more information, contact Iva Dell Randolph at 615- 597-5296, Melanie Judkins at 615-464-7664, Renea Cantrell at 615-684-2688, or Gail Taylor 615-597-5936.
The DeKalb County Unit of the American Cancer Society seeks your support in the “Love Lights a Tree” fundraising campaign to raise money for research to find a cure as well as cancer education and patient services. Donations may be made throughout the holiday season. The persons you honor or remember do not necessarily have to have suffered from cancer.
Randolph also wishes to recognize local churches and businesses who supported Relay For Life even though there was no Relay in 2021 nor 2020 due to the pandemic.
“Even though we didn’t have Relay for Life some churches and businesses gave their sponsorship anyway. Thanks so much”
Wilson Bank & Trust, Smithville First Baptist Church, B & G Supply Company, Snow Hill Baptist Church, American Legion POST 122, Salem Baptist Church, New West Point Free Will Baptist Church, Caldwell’s Drug Store, the DeKalb County Retired Teachers Association and an anonymous business plus several individuals.
“Thanks to all who donated. We hope to have Relay for Life at Green Brook Park next year,” said Randolph.