BEDFORD — The Bedford Altrusa International club gathered on May 11 at the Southland Church of Christ for a session marked by community service milestones and the recognition of local academic talent.
Becky Bailey (left), Grandmother of Trinidy and member of Altrusa
Jennie Edwards (right), NL Scholarship Board Member and member of Altrusa
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of Trinidy Bailey, who was named the 2026 recipient of the $1,000 North Lawrence Community School Altrusa Scholarship. Trinidy, the granddaughter of member Becky Bailey, attended as a guest of the club.
A future educator, Trinidy plans to use the scholarship to study early childhood education at Ivy Tech. During the meeting, Jennie Edwards provided insight into the competitive selection process used to determine the NL Scholarship awards.
The meeting underscored Altrusa’s broad impact on Lawrence County through several ongoing initiatives.
Becky Bailey shared the history of the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church “Matthew 11:28” bed project, which has provided over 700 beds, mattresses, and sheets to local children since its inception. Altrusa continues to serve as a proud sponsor of this mission.
Susie Turner reported that children’s books remain highly popular at the Avoca Free Little Library. Meanwhile, Loretta Bailey distributed 100 magazines across five local nursing homes, and Donna Rainey announced plans to purchase essential items for residents at CORE nursing home.
Members voted to assist the Lions Club at the October Pancake Festival and will volunteer at the WBIW Senior Fair on May 20 at Sherwood Oaks Church. Fannie Lee also coordinated with the American Legion for members to place flags on veterans’ graves at Green Hill Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day.
In club business, Treasurer Sara Kern received approval for the 2026-27 budget. Individual honors were also distributed: Donna Rainey received a pin for sponsoring new member Maggie Whitlow, and Jennie Edwards was recognized for her extensive service on four different community boards.
The club also issued a call for donations of 39-gallon trash bags, paper towels, and toilet paper for Becky’s Place Shelter.
The next Bedford Altrusa meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southland Church of Christ Annex. Individuals interested in joining the club’s service efforts are encouraged to contact Becky Bailey at 812-583-0961 or via email at bbailey5047@yahoo.com.
