Proverbs 31: 20 says, “she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy,” and that’s what a group of local young women are doing this Thanksgiving – extending their hands to the needy.

J.E.W.E.L.s, a social club for girls beginning at age 11, is sponsoring its first-ever food drive, with the theme “Give Thanks, Give Food: Hunger an Unwanted Guest.”

“We started this project in an effort to give back to the community and to help stop hunger,” member Pihnosha White said. “We started collecting food at Cost Plus on Oct. 18, through Nov. 15. We have collected 500 pounds of food and hope to help more than 60-plus families.”

White said the organization is thankful for its biggest supporters David Darby, Reginald Daniels and Ted Watson.

White said the group plans to give away the food on Nov. 22, beginning at 11 a.m., at 205 South Cotton St. annex building.

White said refreshments will be served.

For more information on donating, receiving food or joining the cause, contact director Rosemary Cox at 334-389-2936, or email her at rcox@jewelyoungladies.com.