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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

A group of community members have come together to help others and improve their neighborhood.

The West End United Concern Citizen Community Alliance came out of meetings of residents wanting to bring positive change to the neighborhood.

Ocie Williams led discussion and helped the Alliance organize, and Margaret C. Hawkins is the first president.

“We want to help make a positive difference because there is so much … going on over here,” Hawkins said.

The group plans to partner with existing community groups.

“We don’t want to isolate anybody because it takes everyone to make the change,” Hawkins said.

The Alliance’s motto is “Neighbors helping neighbors making a positive difference through education and resources.”

Participating in the the Clanton Community Clean-up Day from 8 a.m. to noon will be the first event for the group.

“We are just everyday neighbors trying to help everybody else in our community,” Hawkins said.

Williams said the group wants to contribute to cleaning up the community and seeing improvements made to the neighborhood’s houses in disrepair and establishing more youth programs at the community center.

Williams has been active in the Chiton County community, but wanted to be more directly involved with improving his own neighborhood. Both talked about the importance of the neighborhood being united in order for plans for change to be successful.

Hawkins said the Alliance plans to discuss the possibility of hosting test preparation and reading help at the community center on the weekend.

The Alliance will hold monthly meetings and is looking for additional members.

“I really think it is going to be good for the community,” Hawkins said.

There are also plans to apply for 501(c)3 nonprofit status.