Those who want to participate in this year’s Marengo County Relay for Life have more time than they thought.

Earlier reports stated the Marengo County Relay for Life event would be held at the Demopolis River Fields at 6 p.m. on March 12. However, the correct date is Friday, May 12.

Monday, team captains and representatives gathered at the Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital Conference room to discuss team recruitment and fundraisers.

Terry Reynolds, who helps organize the Demopolis event, said they explored team recruitment and online registration.

“We discussed ways people can participate and how they can register online,” Reynolds said. “They can also go online to do donations.”

Team captains attending the meeting were given their team packets. Reynolds said they had a good showing for their January meeting, but hoped to bring in more in the next three and a half months leading up to the event.

Sometimes, Reynolds said, teams are slow in getting involved. But once they jump on board, it becomes an exciting event for everyone on the team.

“After you get into it it’s really fun,” Reynolds said. “Sometimes it can be tough for people to find the time to get involved right away, but once they start coming they usually have lots of fun.”

A new fundraiser is on the way for this year’s Relay for Life. Reynolds said teams would continue to take donations, but would also offer portrait packages for children.

“One of the things we are looking at offering is a photography package with a company called Putting on the Ritz,” Reynolds said. “They will come to town and photograph children from three months old to 10 years old.”

The photo package will include an 8×10, two 5×7 and eight wallet-sized photographs for $9.95.

Packages can be purchased from any team member. Currently, F&F Drugs, Suttles, Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital and the Quest Club teams are selling the packages.

A time and location for the photography sessions will be announced at a later date. Checks will be made out to the American Cancer Society and all benefits will go to the Marengo County effort.

The traditional luminaria sale is also underway. Stephanie Hoggle, who is heading the luminaria effort, said they plan to make it simple for people to purchase these items.

“If people want to purchase a bag they can call and talk to anyone at Comfort Care Hospice or drop by,” Hoggle said. “We are located right behind Regions Bank by the employment office on Bailey Drive.”

Comfort Care is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, Hoggle can be contacted at (334) 289-2106 or (334) 507-1967.

Hoggle said luminaria’s would be sold up to the last minute. She also said they will need volunteers to help them fill and place them.

The main concern in the early stages, is to get people involved. Reynolds encouraged anyone who wanted to participate in a team or committee to give them a call.

Reynolds can be reached at (334) 289-2327. Information can also be obtained from the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.