Lorene Parker, a student at Eastside Elementary School, is a team captain for Polk’s 2012 Relay for Life 2012, which will be held on May 11 at the Nathan Dean Sports Complex in Rockmart.

She is raising funds by offering handcrafted angels customized to honor loved ones affected by cancer or thank those caregivers that have made a difference. The angels will be placed in a special garden during Relay on May 11.

Lorene became a volunteer after a discussion with her parents, Karen and Mitch Parker. She wanted to do something to honor her paternal grandmother. Lorene Swint Parker lost the battle with leukemia in 1999.

Different colored ribbons are attached to the angels. Purple is for caregivers, gold designates in honor of and silver in memory of an individual.

“We have already received several orders, but I hope there will be more,” Lorene said. “I want to raise as much money as possible for Relay. We accept minimum donations of $10.”

Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to Lorene Parker, 338 Baldwin Road, Rockmart, GA 30153. For more information about her team, call 678-757-0076.

“Lorene is always involved in projects that help others,” Mrs. Parker said. “We are there to support her.”

Lorene is also baking sweets to raise money to purchase supplies she needs for the angels. She sells Girl Scout cookies and, during the past year, she made friendship bracelets to help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes.

“She enters everything in a log detailing expenses and more,” her mother said. “She is very business oriented.”

Meanwhile, other teams and team members are busy raising funds, according to information provided by Nancy Wright, PR/Marketing Chair, Polk County Relay For Life.

Wright listed the following planned activities:

The Advance Rehab Team is offering chances for a $100 value gift basket for $1.00 each.

The Crossview Community Church team will sponsor a softball tournament on May 11 at the event.

The Family Savings Credit Union will hold a Bake Sale every other Thursday until May 11 at the Credit Union.

The First National Bank of Polk County is holding a Silent Auction at the bank, with great items up for bid.

The Victory Baptist Church will have fundraiser night at Zaxby’s in Cedartown from 5 to 8 p.m. April 16.

The Happy Feet team will hold a Bake Sale at Triangle Square on April 14.

The Rockmart Church of Christ team is selling “Paint Polk Purple” shirts for $10 each. Contact Gere Purdy at Sew Purdy, 678-685-4129.

Chris Culver, of Culver Exterminating, is trying to stay out of a dress by placing a purple toilet in front of businesses and residences for $10 for placement, $10 for removal, or $10 for insurance.

The Body Vision team will hold their annual “Ride For Life” motorcycle ride on April 21.

The EFC team will have a “Misster Relay” asking for donations at the plant on May 11.