Ferst Readers of Henry County is hosting its third annual online Character Contest to raise money to purchase books for local preschoolers.

The contest will continue throughout October on Facebook and Instagram and features 11 local volunteers who portray characters from books, movies and popular culture. Viewers can vote for their favorite character at $10 per vote, with no limit on the number of votes made.

This year’s participants are Dodie Cason of Heritage Bank and Main Street McDonough as Tweedle Ee Dee Girl from “We Walk Through the Forest;” County Manager Cherie Hobson-Matthews as Mirabel from “Encanto;” Destiny Williams, director of Youth and Family Ministries at McDonough Presbyterian Church as Madeline from the story book series; Deanna Gregory, Community Development Officer at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta as Rapunzel; Jay Connelly, Trauma Director at Piedmont Henry Hospital, as Captain Jack Sparrow; Shaquin Thomas of Soul to Table Catering as Barbie; George Jeburk, president of the board of Community Gardens of Henry County as the Urban Gardener; Anita Thomaston, STEM educator, as Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas;” Cindy Arnold as Amelia Bedelia from the book series; and Brandie Craig of McDonough Junior Women’s Club, One Hope Wine and Lennar Homes, as Bea, the Pirate Princess, from the story book.

There is also a mystery contestant this year appearing as “Bigfoot Belle,” who just might be unmasked at the end of the competition.

“All the funds raised from this fun competition will go to purchase books for preschool children in our community,” says Doris Griffin, chair of the Henry County Community Action Team.

“We are currently sending an age-appropriate book every month to about 1,750 children under 5 years old, with the intention of promoting readiness for learning when they enter kindergarten,” she adds. “Statistics show that children who are not reading on grade level by third grade are more likely to fall behind in school and perhaps not even graduate.

“There’s an opportunity for a greater impact in our community because we have children on our waiting list. This fundraiser will help us add those children to our mailing list. It costs $36 per year to send books to each child.

“The winner of this contest gets bragging rights, but the real winners are the children who receive books.”

Those who do not follow social media can always make a donation on the Ferst Readers of Henry County website or mail a check to 1001 Florence McGarity Blvd., McDonough, 30252.