GREENSBORO-A group of 15 ladies from various areas of Hale County are committed to helping the youth and the elderly population by any means necessary. This group is called L.A.B.O.R.S (Ladies Aiming to Bridge Openness for Relief through Service).

The president of the group Mary Hodge said they started this group back in 1978 with only four members including herself, Barbara Smith, Lena Watford, Velma Lewis, and now they have a thriving group of 15. She also said they started the group because they saw a need in Hale County for ladies to come together.

“We have grown so much as a group over these last 26 years and we are even stronger now heading into the next 26,” Hodge said.

She said the group was made up of many different types of ladies all the way from homemakers to businesswomen, who are running their own businesses. She also said the ladies are from all over Hale County places like Sawyerville, Newbern, and Greensboro.

“We not only reach out to Hale County and help, but other counties as well,” Hodge said, “We also help with many other organizations like the American Heart Association and others.”

She said another goal for the group was to hold programs and different events throughout the year, so the children have some fun things to do. She also said the reason why they do these events is because there is just nothing for the local youth here in Hale County.

“We hold summer reading programs, tutoring programs, cultural awareness programs, and many other events and programs for the children to attend,” Hodge said.

She said the group also awards scholarships to the students of Hale County. She also said this is the 25th year now that the group has awarded scholarships.

“Thanks to some matching funds, we gave eight $400 scholarships away this year,” Hodge said, “Two per high school in Hale County.”

She said it’s always nice to see the students the group has helped over the years come back home to Hale County and make something of themselves. She also said they’ve helped so many different kinds of people including white and black students.

“We originally gave a scholarship to Judge Marvin Wiggins a long time ago,” Hodge said, “It just goes to show you that you never know what these students can achieve.”

She said anybody wishing to help or donate to the group please call her or vice-president

Lizzie Hudson.