“Montevallo Has a Heart for Haiti” is an ongoing campaign already marked by success.

The members of the organizing committee recently presented to the Red Cross a $2,796 check for Haitian relief.

That money represents in a tangible way the love and concern of this small community for those far-away people who were devastated by a horrible earthquake.

Schools, churches, clubs, businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, university students and the city joined in the campaign.

Everywhere you looked you saw — and still see — evidence of the campaign.

Kids paid $1 for the privilege of running around school in their pajamas.

Students and teachers wore red and blue ribbons, the colors of the Haitian flag.

Students made pretty sun-catcher hearts and hand-sewn bears and pillows to comfort the suffering children.

Elementary children asked their friends and neighbors for contributions.

Others broke open their piggy banks to give their savings.

One remarked, “Those children need it more than I do.”

The signs, with the logo designed by Iris Kish, were displayed throughout the city, and there were contributions jars in almost every store.

The bucket brigade was a huge success, and on two Thursdays folks enjoyed good food at the Main Street Tavern, where 10 percent of the proceeds were donated to the campaign.

Members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Club organized a special project, “Eighty for Haiti.”

“All of these organizations would have given help to Haiti,” said Chamber Director Mary Lou Williams, “but knowing that we could all work together to make a difference did make us feel so good about our town. This couldn’t have happened without the involvement of the committee that planned and carried out the projects.”

Williams explained the idea and the motto really came from Terry Sutton, pastor of the First Baptist Church.

However, the credit is spread all around.

The response to ‘Montevallo Has a Heart for Haiti’ has been tremendous. Mayor Ben McCrory’s spirit of cooperation and Mary Lou Williams’ leadership and enthusiasm has enabled the city of Montevallo to have an impact on many lives in Haiti.

Several people commented as we were doing the bucket brigades, ‘We are so proud of Montevallo for doing this,’ ” Sutton said.

UM, several churches, schools, and other organizations are continuing efforts to raise money for the campaign.

The Rotary Club sponsored a blood drive on Tuesday, March 2, in the CVS Parking lot.

For more information, call 665-1519 or check the Chamber Chatter and this newspaper.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.