If you have ever been around me long enough, you will know that one of my favorite programs we offer at the Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is our therapeutic programs. Tracey Young, our therapeutic coordinator, does a beautiful job working and coordinating with our local schools to make sure that Special Olympics is at the forefront, and is part of the school curriculum in Carroll County.

As we get closer to the end of the month I want to challenge everyone in our Carrollton community to support “Change for Champions.”

What is it? It is the 11th annual statewide fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics of Georgia. You will see in our stores around the community red cans at checkout lines or at entrances to local businesses. If you have some spare change in your pocket, I encourage you to drop it in one of these cans.

Our first year that we took part in this, between the schools and local businesses, we raised approximately $300. Last year we raised more than $10,000, which goes back to our kids in Carroll County that take part in Special Olympics.

We have been fortunate over the years that the Carrollton and Carroll County school systems actively get involved and have contests throughout the month on which classes can raise the most money for these wonderful kids. This fundraiser helps pay for travel, training, and uniforms for these kids when they go and compete in Special Olympics around the state of Georgia.

I am sure a lot of you have helped volunteer with our local Special Olympics track meet that we host at different high schools each spring around Carroll County. If you have never volunteered I encourage you to come and just be a spectator one time. I promise you that it will change your outlook on life, and put things into perspective. These kids and adults are a big part of our Carrollton family, and I know many of them have been a part of my own life for years. If these kids get to compete on the state level for Special Olympics it’s an even cooler feat for them, and I will tell you personally that it is one of the best weekends you will ever spend if you volunteer to help with the state games.

As the fundraiser winds down, and you see a red can in a store, or you talk to one of the local teachers in Carroll County, please help support Special Olympics of Georgia. I promise it is a donation you will not regret. Give Tracey a call if you want to make a donation or be an active volunteer at 770-834-1127.

Thanks as always for your support, and we hope to see you at local Special Olympic events in Carroll County.

Maierhofer is director of the Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department.