Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

The Rotary Club of Henry County is calling on local churches to make a joyful noise in time for the holidays, as part of a fund-raising effort.

The club is creating a compact disc (CD), featuring Christmas songs performed by choirs from local congregations, said Adam Stanfield, public relations director for the Rotary Club.

"The CD provides a way for us to bring our community together in a unique way," he said. "We're asking church choirs to get together, and to submit a Christmas song. We will take the entries, and create a Christmas CD to sell. It's just a great way ... to celebrate the Christmas holiday, and to raise money for a good cause."

Proceeds from the sale of the CDs, said Stanfield, will go to the creation of a playground at the Haven House domestic-violence shelter in Henry County. He said the Rotary Club has already generated around $9,000, more than half of the $16,000 needed to build the playground.

Tommy Kennedy is the pastor of Southern Crescent Baptist Church in McDonough, and a member of the Rotary Club. He said the 25-30 members of his choir are among those who will submit music to be considered for the CD.

"We're intending to record our Christmas music program Dec. 19, and select a song for the CD," said Kennedy. "It's an opportunity for all the churches to come together and do something that makes a positive difference in the community."

For more information about Rotary Club projects, visit www.henrycountyrotary.org.