Dona Bonnet has been recognized by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce.

August is Family Fun Month. Many of you were able to get out of town last week and enjoy some fun at the beach before school started. I saw numerous Facebook posts from the beach with the beautiful water and sand and it made me wish I were there with you all. Since our kids have grown, we now take our trips a little earlier in the year or after Labor Day when it’s just a little cooler.

With kids back in school, there are a lot of needs in the Leeds/Moody area. Our local charities such as Shepherd Supply and Leeds Outreach have definitely worked hard to meet many of them with school supplies and food so their shelves may need a little replenishing. Please keep these organizations in mind to help keep their pantries stocked so they can continue to meet needs.

Leeds Outreach would like to thank all who gave and worked so hard to prepare boxes of school supplies for about 120 children. Since they have not had a food drive in quite a long time, they are need for food. They are very low on everything, even green beans. If any organization would like to conduct a food drive, they would greatly appreciate it. Contact Barbara Higginbotham, Director, at (205) 699-7291.

The Leeds Arts Council, Inc. brings The Outlaws – Waylon (Terry Padgett) and Willie (Alan Tedders) – to Leeds on Friday, August 14 at 7 p.m. Seating will be around tables with eight people seated at each table. You may purchase individual tickets at $20 each or a table for $160. The Outlaws say to dress in your best western apparel. Reservations are requested. Call (205) 699-1892 to leave a message for reservations.

Legends Baseball will be holding tryouts for their 7u team this Saturday, August 15, at 9 a.m. at the Moody Baseball Complex. They are looking for good players and great families.

Monday, August 17, is National Thriftshop Day. Many people love bargains and you can usually find plenty of them at bargain centers, thrift stores and consignment shops. The Leeds/Moody area has several shops so stop in to see what they have to offer. Right Stuff Bargain Center on the Leeds Parkway has plenty of gently used items and also new merchandise plus they stock over 1,000 fresh items every day. When you shop there, you are helping Right Stuff Ministries which works with at-risk kids in our area!

The Leeds City Council will meet on Monday, August 17, at 6 .m. in the Leeds Civic Center Meeting Room.

The Moody Lions Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday August 17, at White’s Chapel.

Moody Kiwanis Club is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at Noon – Moody City Hall.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassadors will host their monthly Ambassador Meeting/Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Lunch is $10, RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 65 years of supporting the greater Leeds area and business community. Instead of their monthly luncheon, the Chamber will host a Chamber After Hours from 5 – 7p.m. on Thursday, August 20, at Venue 24 Between the Tracks. Please RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at (205) 699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. Reservations not required, but appreciated and this event is FREE.

Leeds/Moody Caravan DRAWING FOR GRILL valued over $200 Event is an annual fundraiser to benefit The Children’s Place and Leeds Outreach. Tickets are $5 and you do not have to be present to win. The drawing will take place at the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce 65th Anniversary Celebration Chamber After Hours on Thursday, August 20, at Venue 24 Between the Tracks. To purchase a ticket, please contact Katha Gold at (205) 229-9790.

Job openings this week: J & M Exotic Foods is hiring for Shipping & Receiving.

Here’s a thought for the week: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column. Please remember to send your Leeds and Moody news to me at dona@adrbms.com. See you next week!