HOUSTON - Organizers of the annual Relay for Life event in Chickasaw County have met several times to plan for the 2010 event and have decided to get a jump start on next year.

"We are not going to wait to start until January," said Co-chair Sarah Flake at an organizational meeting this fall. "We end up with all of our teams trying to raise funds in such a short time. We're going to spread it out over the year and try to incorporate more events over a longer period."

Representatives from Relay teams agreed that holding events throughout the year would take a lot of pressure off them and the community during the spring.

"All of the teams are trying to do so much in the spring that we end up not being able to support each other," said Co-chair Jean Dendy.

Currently, teams are making plans to hold various fund raising events through the winter and into the spring of 2010. Committee members are planning for a spring kickoff and set a date of May 14 for the event.

Participating teams include: City of Houston, Chickasaw Chics and Chaps, Houston Teachers, Chickasaw Courthouse, Carnation Baptist Church, HIS Team. More teams are sought and welcome to participate. Contact Sarah Flake, Jean Dendy or Lisa Voyles for information.

Teams who are holding fundraisers may contact the Chickasaw Journal to be added to the events calendar. Call 456-3771 or e-mail to editor@chickasawjournal.com.

Photos with Santa

The City of Houston Relay team will sponsor photos with Santa prior to the Houston Christmas parade on Dec. 1. The team will offer hot chocolate and coffee for sale and children's photos with Santa Claus from 5-6:15 p.m. Santa will have to leave promptly at 6:15 to take his place in the parade, so interested persons are encouraged to come early. Proceeds will benefit Relay for Life in Chickasaw County.