The Hale Empowerment Revitalization Organization, or HERO, is asking for donations from neighboring counties.

The HERO Family Resource Center has announced its 2005 School Uniform Drive. It is the first time the center is attempting to collect uniforms for students.

Elizabeth Baker, the center’s director of family services, said the need was brought to her attention by a school principal.

“Uniforms are thought to be equalizers, but it’s ironic,” she said. “When people can’t afford to buy something that equalizes, how equal can it be?”

Residents can donate white, tan, navy blue, or baby blue shirts, navy or khaki pants or skirts, and white, black, or brown shoes.

The center is accepting new or gently used items.

Baker expects to aid about 45 students with the new program.

Donations will be collected July 14 through the 28 at these Greensboro locations: the HERO Family Resource Center, Hale County Court House, and Hale County Cleaners. In Sawyerville, uniforms will be collected at the Sawyerville Convenience Store and New Hope Baptist Church. Akron also has drop-off sites at the Akron Town Hall and First Baptist Church.

The registration period is June 29 through July 8 at the HERO Family Resource Center located at 1015 Market St. in Greensboro. Parents must bring identification and proof of income to register. Families will not be able to register after July 8.

Distribution is expected to be August 1 through the 5.

The HERO Center also offers on-site daycare, programs for high school students, at-home parenting classes for new parents, GED courses, and typing classes.

“We like to look at the family as a whole unit,” Baker said. “So we try to provide for the family as a unit and not individuals.”

Elizabeth Baker can be contacted at (334) 624-9100