Liberty County will be getting its own Boys and Girls Club in the near future. This news was announced and finalized during the Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony which was held on Aug. 22 at the Board of Education. The event was attended by local influencers such as Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown, Liberty County Board of Education Chairwoman Lily Baker, and former Hinesville Mayor James Thomas Jr. They, along with other speakers, expressed the importance of the Boys and Girls Club in this community, and offered words of praise for Pastor Edna Walthour’s efforts. 

Walthour, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Boys and Girls Club Liberty County branch, was said to have taken the initiative in bringing the organization here and spearheaded the following efforts. These efforts were greatly appreciated by members of the community, as stated by community leaders and as shown by the large audience turnout. 

Baker said establishing a local Boys and Girls Club would help educate the “total child” on social, physical and emotional levels. She reminded those in attendance that her “favorite basketball player” LeBron James started out at the club. Liberty County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Franklin Perry stated that an area Boys and Girls Club would be crucial in keeping local youth out of trouble and also keep them away from jails and detention centers.  State Rep. Al Williams shared similar sentiments. Most commented they were thankful to Walthour for succeeding in bringing the organization to the area, especially as there had been several unsuccessful attempts made in the past. 

Thomas said a local Boys and Girls Club could be a place where the community can gather and children can learn. He is also looking for ideas for fund raising efforts, but first, he advised, they should strive to establish the ideas and standards of the club. 

The Boys and Girls Club is dedicated to giving young people a safe place to learn and develop valuable social and critical thinking skills. It was assured that children would be given fun activities and sports but that this will be balanced out with required learning.