In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NAACP branch in Pearl River County plans to host a program remembering the survivors and victims of breast cancer.

The organization’s first Breast Cancer Awareness Program will be held this Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, located at 501 Weems St. The event’s guest speakers include Alice Stubbs Wilks, who’s a breast cancer survivor for the past 36 years, Debra Underwood, Dr. Alicia Stevens and Picayune City Council member Larry Breland.

Ruby Stubbs, the organization’s assistant secretary, said the entire community is invited to attend the fundraiser to support people who’ve been touched by the disease in one way or another.

“We hope to have a good turnout,” Stubbs said. “So many people are dying from this disease.”

Guests are encouraged to donate $5 or more during the program and will have the opportunity to light candles in memory of a loved one.

Proceeds will benefit the NAACP and Pink Flamingo, a local non-profit organization that donates wigs to cancer patients.

The local NAACP plays an active role in the community. Members meet twice a month every Monday following the second and fourth Sunday either at the church in Picayune or the White Sand Baptist Church in Poplarville.

The mission of the NAACP is to “ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination,” according to the NAACP’s website.

For additional program information, contact Stubbs at 601-347-6840.