By SANDRA ANNONIO / Community Columnist

“I am Rain. Wet and Cold.

In the summer,

many people need me

To grow their food,

But in the winter

I’m like the last toy in the store; not one wants me.”

Above is an excerpt of a poem written by a Columbiana Middle School student participating in the Writing Our Stories program. Can’t you just see, feel and smell the rain?

“The concept behind the program is very simple: Young people who are angry, frustrated, ill-informed, and just plain ‘off the track’ need away to be heard. They crave respect and identity. Learning the craft of poetry, fiction, and/or creative nonfiction writing gives them a way to gain the identity they yearn for and to express wishes, fears, and deep-seated frustration that they might not otherwise release” (Alabama Writers Forum Website).

The Shelby County Arts Council and the Alabama Writers Forum are in their seventh year of partnering to bring the Writing Our Stories program to select Shelby County Schools.

Why is the program select? It all depends on funding. The SCAC is able to offer the program at Montevallo and Columbiana middle schools at no cost to the school.

Most of the funding for the program is generously sponsored by Alabama Power and the Alabama Humanities Program. The Shelby County Arts Council is looking to the local business community and citizens to bridge the financial gap.

Your generous donation to the Shelby County Arts Council (501c3 organization) will go far to support this award-winning Art Outreach Program.

Please consider making the Shelby County Arts Council one of the local causes you financially support with year-end contributions. Your donation will make a difference in the life of a child.