Meredith’s Miracles is looking for a few youth “characters” who’d like to put a smile on a child’s face.

On Sat., Feb. 27, the local charitable organization will host its annual “Cookies with Characters” event, where costumed actors entertain and delight local children while helping raise money for Meredith’s Miracles. This year, the organization is holding an open try-out for local high school and college students who might like to play Superman, Princess Jasmine or any of the other 30 or so “characters” in the event.

The try-out will be Sat., Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. at the Southside Baptist Church’s family life center.

“There’s no charge to try out,” said Kylie Spears, event coordinator. “It’s only about donating your time and energy. We’re looking for some outgoing high schoolers or college students who like being around people and don’t mind getting crazy and silly.”

Spears said this is the fourth year for the event, and that previously organizers had simply asked teenagers and friends to play the part. This year, Meredith’s Miracles decided to open up auditions to any young person interested in playing a character.

“We’d love for there to be a lot of people to come out to the tryout,” she said. “Some of those costumes are hot, so it would be great if we could have two performers (in February). One could do the stage show, and another could do the meet-and-greet and party with the kids. It’s open to anyone; the only thing is the kids would need to be sure they’re available (on Feb. 27) and probably for two practices.”

Spears said some of the costumes won’t fit every body type, but “we’ll find something” for anyone who wants to participate.

“Obviously, some of the characters require a certain look — Superman needs to be a tall boy with dark hair, that sort of thing,” she said. “Sometimes you have to be a certain height to fit in some of the costumes. But we’re hoping that once the kids show up, we’ll be able to find something for everyone to play.”

She added that girls who would like to play the Disney princesses should come with their hair done and wearing make-up.

Those who plan to show up for the tryouts are asked to call Spears at 427-5321 for more information.

“You can’t just get in the costumes and stand there,” she said. “You’ve got to be really crazy and silly when you’re in the costumes, but it’s really a lot of fun and I think these kids will enjoy it.”

Meredith’s Miracles is a non-profit foundation named in honor of Meredith McGlamory, who passed away from a form of childhood cancer in 2003. Meredith is Simpson’s granddaughter and the daughter of Janna and Russell McGlamory.

The charity assists parents who have to leave the area to get specialty medical care for their children. Meredith’s Miracles helps with non-medical related expenses, such as gas, lodging and food, for families within a 60-mile radius of Andalusia.