Excel 97 Check Boxes

I created a spreadsheet with check boxes in column A (linked to the cell each check box sits on top of) and have amounts in column B. I use the SUMIF function to total the values up for each check box that is checked. Everything works fine, but I can’t figure a way to easily link the check box with the cell it sits on. I have about 80 check boxes in my spreadsheet and have to individually link the box to the cell on each one. Is there an easier way?