Doing her best Ed McMahon, Jan McDonald – with a balloon bouquet and a giant check from the Demopolis City Schools Foundation – was able to play Prize Patrol Thursday.

Lucky Demopolis teachers received the news that they had been awarded grants from the Foundation totaling more than $50,000.

The Foundation received 34 applications asking for $96,065.63 and was able to fund 22 of them.

Most of the requests this fall were for technology items to bring classrooms into the 21st Century, but other requests asked the Foundation to fund professional development, writing programs and physical education supplements.

Demopolis is fortunate to have the support of the Foundation and its members as the state continues to tighten its belt.

Year after year Demopolis residents and businesses give in and of themselves to ensure the needs of our teacher are met.

In today’s economic climate, it’s increasingly harder to find change when you dig into your pocket. If you’re fortunate enough to find the change, it’s even harder to donate it.

The Foundation is currently engaged in its 2012 membership drive. If you can find and spare the change, your membership would be both welcomed and appreciated.