Book Lovers Study Club receives award at district meeting

The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club received the 2025 Award from the GFWC Alabama North District, held in Crossville in recognition and celebration for “Living the Volunteer Spirit” through its service to those in need, both at home and the world over.

Club President Gayle McAlister accepted the award. Other club members who attended were Cheri McCain, Patricia Cox and Susie Malone.

Cynthia Geis, North District Director, presided over the district meeting. The following GFWC Alabama state officers attended and presented their reports: President Becky Vansant; Caroline Hollowell, AFWC president- elect; AFWC second Vice President Lois Roberts; AFWC Secretary Pam Johnson; and AFWC Treasurer Ellen Clack.

Cheri McCain, North District Chairman of the GFWC signature program on domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention, presented a very informative program. She emphasized the need to increase awareness of and help prevent the widespread occurrence of domestic and sexual violence.

McCain gave information on how to spot the signs of a human trafficking victim. As part of her program, she prepared a handout that gave examples.

PHOTO BY SUSIE HOVATER MALONE – Club president, Gayle McAlister accepts a Book Lovers district award. From left: Donna Mahieux, Cynthia Geis and Gayle McAlister.

Hope for Justice and GFWC have joined under the theme of “A Partnership to Fight Human Trafficking.” Human trafficking is modern- day slavery. Victims can be any age, race, gender, sex, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status or socioeconomic class.

Hope for Justice investigates and works with law enforcement and other agencies to identify victims and build bridges and trust with the victims to get them safely out of exploitation. Through education and community empowerment, Hope for Justice helps families and vulnerable people protect themselves against deceptive methods. Hope for Justice trains others on the frontline, including police, health care workers, charities, governments and businesses.

The Hope for Justice’s logo is the swallow bird which represents freedom. The bird returns to its nesting place — just as we want to help survivors return to their families.

Attendees at the district meeting made their own Hope for Justice swallow using origami paper. Members were encouraged to post a picture on social media to raise awareness and write a note of hope or a prayer on their bird to be delivered to a survivor.

If you suspect a human trafficking case, do not intervene directly. Report it immediately to a local or federal law enforcement agency.

For the district’s project, club members donated non-perishable food items for the food pantry. A silent auction raised $544 for the district’s scholarship.

Susie Hovater Malone is a member of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club.