A social group consisting of ladies who grew up in the Jonquil City, Smyrna Girls is a way to re-establish friendships, form new ones, network, and come together as a group to make a difference in the community.

When 1967 Campbell High School graduate Yvonne Anderson came across a group called "Smyrna Boys" a on classmate's Facebook page, she decided to create "Smyrna Girls." Believing she might get 15-20 women involved, the idea was bigger than Anderson could imagine.

"The group just kept growing and growing. We continue to add members daily," said the Cobb County native. "We have people talking together after 43 years of being apart."

Since Jan. 27 of this year, the group has grown to 716 members with nine sub-groups that include different area high school class groups as well as interest groups for activities such as exercise and dining.

"Our original vision for the group could not have prepared us for what it has become: a wonderful and amazing revelation for which we are most grateful," she said.

As Smyrna Girls grew, Anderson and her co-chair, Wanda Henderson Crane, realized the group could be something more than a social outlet. They talked with Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon and are collaborating on a service project for the group within the community.

"We would like to make a contribution back to our roots as a way to say thank you for times and the environment that we shared," said Anderson. "It was a special time growing up. A lot of the women feel the same way. They want to connect and give back.

"Smyrna Girls is a device for women to come together and truly make a difference in not only their own lives but in the lives of those around us," Anderson said.

For more information, join the group at Facebook.com by searching for "Smyrna Girls."