In Selma, extracurricular activities are stressed heavily to help students find their niche.

Schools stress the importance of getting involved in clubs and organizations to keep children focused on their education and keep them in a positive environment.

Now, one program desperately needs community support to meet the needs of its members.

The Selma CHAT Academy band is facing issues with a lack of instruments, and instruments that have been damaged beyond repair.

For many years, the school has been able to supply instruments to many members of the band. However, like anything else, instruments eventually must be replaced.

The school is encouraging everyone to participate in the Box Tops for Education program to help make these purchases a reality. The goal for this year is 30,000 box tops, which can be done if everyone chips in.

CHAT Academy currently has 65 instruments, but only 10 or 15 are in good condition. The box tops won’t buy all the instruments the school needs, but it is a good start.

So many times young people in Selma wander the streets and become involved with the wrong crowd because they were not given the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.

By purchasing products that participate in this program, we can be sure at least one more  activity available for those who want to participate. Let’s do our part to keep CHAT Academy making music for years to come.