Chili cook-off to benefit youth program

The P.L.A.Y. (Participating in the Lives of Area Youth) program was created to reduce the level of juvenile crime and violence in area neighborhoods.

Program coordinator Deputy Brett Maxwell said P.L.A.Y. has experienced a great deal of success helping children in the juvenile justice system and other at-risk young people.

In addition to summer camps, P.L.A.Y. offers other activities throughout the year.

The program promotes non-violent conflict resolution, community involvement, educational excellence and personal development.

“We try to instill discipline through positive role models and positive interaction with law enforcement,” Maxwell said.

The P.L.A.Y. program is self-supporting. All proceeds from the chili cook-off will support future P.L.A.Y. program offerings.

The cook-off is open to both teams and individuals. Judging begins at 2 p.m. on October 9 and the cook-off will be open to the public beginning at 4:30 p.m. The cook-off will be held at the Barrow County Leisure Services Building located at 175 2nd Street in Winder.

For more information, contact Deputy Brett Maxwell at 770-307-3080 ext. 1425 or Sgt. Cecil Kidd at 770-307-3080 ext. 3157