Changes in Relay for Life planning

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County's Relay for Life teams will have a new way of getting luminaries this year.
Luminaries Chairwoman Carol Rogers said teams will be responsible for labeling their own bags and making sure they are on the track the night of the relay.
"It was decided that we'd let the teams do their own luminaries in order to eliminate errors during the event," Rogers said.
Luminary bags are now available at area banks, including Citizen's Bank's main branch, Bank Independent, Valley State Bank and First Metro Bank.
Teams should take money collected for the luminaries and the luminary forms to the banks in order to pick up bags.
"It's important to realize the banks are set up to disburse bags for the teams only, and that individuals who would like to purchase a luminary can do so through a team," Rogers said.
Arrangements are being made for individuals to purchase luminaries from the chamber of commerce but nothing has been finalized at this point.
Rogers said it's important for teams to realize that each bag needs to be labeled and decorated, if desired, before relay night.
"We will have sand and help there at the relay, but the teams will need to put their own luminaries out so they need to pick up their bags well in advance, especially if they sell a lot of luminaries," Rogers said.
The relay committee is encouraging everyone to decorate his or her bags in some form.
"You can put a photo on the bags or have a Sunday school or preschool class decorate them," Rogers said. "Either way, it gets families and children more involved with relay."