By Morgan Bryce
Editor

Citizens of Beauregard and Lee County are coming together next month with two events to benefit 11-year-old Kayla Grimes who was severely injured during the March 3 tornado.
Following is a description of both events with details on how people can be involved.
• July 17 – “Cards for Kayla”
Organized by Beauregard resident Melissa Smith, Cards for Kayla is an opportunity for the community to wish Grimes well as she celebrates her birthday on July 17.
In the Facebook event’s description, Smith wrote that Grimes “has really enjoyed” receiving cards and letters of encouragement and that it would be perfect timing as she transitions to using crutches for the first time in her recovery process.
Letters can be mailed to the following addresses with Kayla’s full name:

  • 1277 Lee Road 119, Opelika, Alabama 36804
  • 79 Lee Road 445
    Opelika, Alabama 36804
    • July 20 – “Karing 4 Kayla”
    Salem resident Alicia McLeod is organizing a carnival-type fundraiser scheduled for July 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lee County Fairgrounds to help cover Grimes’s medical expenses.
    Admission to the event is free. Activities slated to take place during the event include arts and crafts for children, dog show, face painting, live entertainment, motorcycle run and more.
    Registration for the motorcycle run will last from 9 to 10 a.m.
    Volunteers are still needed to help with portions of the event. Those interested in participating can call McLeod at 334-740-1991. Setup is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. that morning.