ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A local Albany group called “Dem Bois” is giving families in need $500 cash to provide support during the holiday season.

Steven Dudley, a member of Dem Bois, said this is their way of giving back to those who have helped them along the way.

“...Just to show our love for the community, how they’ve supported us... And with the state that the community is in and things being so high and expensive. We just wanted to show an opportunity to give back, to help them out,” Dudley said.

Dem Bois is a group of lifelong friends who have lived in Albany for their entire lives. The group has been supporting families in this way for 35 years. Dudley said that when he sees the people he’s able to help, it makes him feel overjoyed.

“Hey, they said if I can help somebody along the way, then my living is not in vain. And that’s what we want to do. We want to make things just a little bit better for everyone that we come into contact with,” he said.

Illissa Bentley, one of the people who received the money, said she’s grateful for the support.

“It makes you feel like you’re not alone in the world, and that someone out there is paying attention to your hard work. Like I said, I just started a new job and this is a blessing because you never know, and this is amazing. Thank you so much Dem Bois. Like, I’m thankful,” Bentley said.

Dem Bois supported three families this holiday season, giving out $1,500 total.

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