The third annual Character Contest to benefit Ferst Readers of Henry County is in full swing with 11 competitors facing off on Facebook and Instagram, vying for votes.

Each vote is a $10 contribution to purchase books for Henry County preschool children.

“Midway through October, Captain Jack Sparrow (known in real life as Jay Connelly) has an impressive lead in the voting,” says Doris Griffin, chair of the local Ferst Community Action Team. “But Rapunzel, portrayed by Deanna Gregory, moved into a strong second place. Voting continues through October 31, so there is still plenty of time for anyone to win.”

The full list of characters is available at https://bit.ly/HenryCharacterContest. Voters may choose as many candidates as they like.

Children enrolled in the program receive a free age-appropriate book each month until their fifth birthday. The cost to send the books is $36 per year per child.

“There are a number of children on our enrollment waiting list now, and all the proceeds from this fun contest will go toward actually getting books out to them,” Griffin says.

Those who do not follow social media can always mail a check to Ferst Readers at 1001 Florence McGarity Blvd., McDonough GA 30252. The preferred character can be named on the memo line, if desired.