Beaufort County’s future just got a little brighter thanks to a new program supported by a local business and coordinated by the chamber of commerce.

It hasn’t even been formally kicked off yet, but it’s already making Beaufort County a better place, one need at time.

In just the past couple of weeks …

A student needed a physical to try out for the school basketball team, but her family didn’t have the resources to pay for the physical. Done.

Another child’s health conditions created a need for a small humidifier, but the family didn’t have the resources to purchase one. Done.

A teenage mother had a baby girl and was without basic necessities like an infant car seat, newborn clothing and diapers. Done.

A young boy was struggling in a difficult living situation. His family had a home, but without any furniture. He needed a bed and other basic items. Done.

It’s heartbreaking to reflect on children facing such basic needs right here in our community, but it’s encouraging to know we have the resources to tackle each and every one.

That’s what the Bright Futures program is all about. And it wouldn’t be possible without PotashCorp-Aurora, which brought Bright Futures to Beaufort County and got it started with a generous financial commitment. Potash is familiar with how successful the program can be in strengthening a community. It sponsors Bright Futures in a Missouri community where the company has another operation.

Here’s how Bright Futures works. Needs are shared with the chamber of commerce from contacts at our local schools. Those needs are communicated through a Facebook page where they are quickly met.

“The whole premise behind Bright Futures is that raising and educating children is not just something for parents and the school system,” said Catherine Glover, executive director of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce. “It is a whole community issue.”

The chamber is looking for businesses, churches, non-profits and individuals to partner with to make Bright Futures a success in Beaufort County. For more information, contact Robin McKeithan at 252-946-9168 or rmckeithan@wbcchamber.com. Find the Facebook page by searching for Bright Futures Beaufort County.

Ashley Vansant is the publisher of the Washington Daily News. He can be reached at ashley.vansant@thewashingtondailynews.com.