SHERMAN - Charity work began at an early age for Marshall T. Hall Sr., who learned first-hand about helping others from his mother.

A Brocton High School graduate, Hall is the founder of the United African American Relief Foundation - an organization he began in 2005. As inspiration, Hall cites his mother, Luella Isabell Hall, who he says regularly helped migrant workers when he was a child.

Now an Illinois resident, Hall recently authored and released the book ''Poor In America'' - copies of which will be for sale at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival this weekend.

As a non-profit charity, Hall's organization focuses on serving the needs of low-income Americans and the disadvantaged despite races, creeds and colors. Proceeds from sales of the book help fund charitable programs, such as a nationwide health and educational project. The book's subtitle: ''How Life Really Is Living Poor In One Of The Richest Countries In The World'' shows Hall's interest in raising awareness about America's poor.

''The idea for this book comes from being a founder of a charity,'' Hall said. ''Charities have to deal with poor people. And it also comes from having been in a large family and having traveled. I've seen a lot of things. I've seen people eating out of a garbage can. It doesn't take a genius to see how people live poor.''

By researching the current statistics on the subject and pairing it with stories and other facts, Hall hopes to raise awareness about the poor in America - and subsequently raise money to help them.

''I always knew that I was going to get into charity work,'' Hall said. ''When I was younger, I thought of having a program that provided coats to people in need during the wintertime. Coats and hats and gloves, that was my vision as a younger man of what I would do.''

Always interested in charity work, Hall said what really spurred him into action was Hurricane Katrina. Since Katrina, Hall said the problems of the poor and lower-income people of America have only been compounded by rising gas, travel and food costs.

Ultimately, Hall said he would like to get his book into schools - as the book's message is ultimately meant for youth.

''In the end, there's a good conclusion,'' Hall said. ''After all the talk of poor, the conclusion of the book is that you have to have an education. That's it. That's the point right there.''

For more information on Hall's charity, his book or his other projects, visit www.uaarf.org.