Local shoppers should notice red Change for Champions canisters at various area restaurants, banks and other businesses during the next week or so.

The canisters are put out as part of the annual fund-raising campaign for the Special Olympics program.

“This is a statewide campaign, but 85 percent of the money we collect in Jones County stays here for us to use with the local program,” said Amie Talcott, the Special Olympics program coordinator for the Jones County Board of Education.

The other 15 percent goes to the state organization to help pay for the state tournaments held throughout the year.

Talcott said Jones County’s share of the proceeds ranges between $150 and $250 each year, but she is hoping this year’s campaign will earn even more.

That is because the local group is trying to raise $10,000 to send the Jones County Special Olympics unified softball team, coaches and cheerleaders to the Special Olympics National Games July 17-24 in Lincoln, Neb.

The Jones County team qualified for the nationals by winning the state tournament last fall.

“So far, with a couple of grants we applied for and received and donations from local people and businesses, we’ve raised about $3,000 toward our goal,” she said. “So anything we can make with the Change for Champions will be a help.”

The money also helps pay for expenses for other Special Olympics trips within the state throughout the year.

“We are also looking for equipment for the softball players to use. We borrowed everything for the state tournament, but we are trying to get everyone their own glove and shoes they can keep for the nationals,” Talcott said.

“We’ve already had a company donate bats for the team.”

Those wishing to donate may put money in the canisters that will be around town, or they can contact Talcott at the Board of Education at 986-3032, ext. 256, or treasurer Renee Widner at State Bank & Trust Company at 986-3157.