MANSFIELD — Three friends are making a concerted effort to help people in need.
They’re calling themselves “Women Helping Others.” The group is made up of Mansfield residents Ruthy Barretta and Jessica Greer and Ashland resident Janet Baird.
“When we know that somebody is in need, we want to jump in and help,” Baird said.
“And there are a lot of people that need help,” Barretta added.
The group is targeting Richland County, primarily Mansfield.
In the near future the trio hopes to begin handing out Bibles and toiletry items to individuals coming off probation at the Richland County Courthouse.
“We’re not looking for donations,” Barretta said. “If we need money for something we’ll raise it on our own.”
The faith-based group plans on making monthly visits to nursing homes and getting involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, among other things.
“We want to make a difference in our community by spreading kindness wherever God leads our hearts to help others,” Barretta said.
When asked about previous volunteer efforts that they’ve been part of, Barretta recalled one small act of donating toys to children.
“We told the little boys that they could have more than one toy and you would think that you gave them the world because they were so happy,” she said. “It brought tears to my eyes.”
For Baird, volunteering is something she’s always done.
“It gives me a good feeling in my heart and soul to reach out to others,” she said.
The group’s website lists a number of resources that could be of service to people in need.
“I feel like this area has a lot of needs and there are a lot of services, but a lot of people don’t know how to contact them,” Greer said. “If we can’t meet their needs, then we can direct them to the right person.”
