Saturday, downtown Picayune was transformed into a beacon of hope for cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment.
This year officials and participants in the Relay for Life of Pearl River County were “Lighting the Torch of Hope,” raising awareness for cancer.
That morning, volunteers carried the torch throughout the entire county. Around the midday hours, survivors dined on sweet treats at the annual Survivor’s Celebration.
At 4 p.m., Relay officially kicked off with a walk and ended with the release of sky lanterns and a Glow Run.
However, efforts to raise awareness began long before Saturday’s main event.
Teams of volunteers collected money including the fourth grade students at Southside Upper Elementary.
Between the three classes, students collected 68,687 tabs for Relay for Life.
When asked, students said they wanted to show their community that a small thing can make a big difference. Once the tabs are recycled, the money will be donated to Relay.
We applaud fourth grade teachers Caroline McDonald, Kevin Jackson and Janna Norton for introducing this cause to their students.
Topics such as Relay for Life and cancer may not be something these students are familiar with. However, it’s important to realize they need to learn how to empathize with others less fortunate.
Our children are future community volunteers. These students are our future doctors and social workers.
We hope the desire to continue their philanthropic efforts stays with these students for the rest of their lives.
Planting the seeds of generosity, humanitarianism and kindness in children is best done earlier, rather than later in life.
We commend the fourth graders at Southside Upper Elementary and hope they continue to share their excitement about helping others.