Every year around this time, event posters are in store windows, auction items are being gathered, plans are being made for a specific theme and so much more. There is a court chosen. Little girls and their mothers search for dresses, and teen young ladies and their mothers find the perfect dresses for the night. Little boys are fitted for tuxedos while their mothers shop for the dresses they wear. What is this event? Who will go? What is the purpose?
It is an event called Charity Ball. The Kosciusko chapter of Junior Auxiliary hosts it, and all of the proceeds from that one night funds everything the ladies of JA do for Kosciusko children for the next year.
Junior Auxiliary is a national organization founded in 1941 in Greenville, with 100 women representing 10 towns in Mississippi and Arkansas, with child welfare at the heart of their service. Now, after 77 years, there are 98 active chapters in seven states across the south (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee) with a total of 15,671 members (3,779 active; 941 associate; 10,934 life; 12 non-resident; 5 sustaining).
In 2018, all of these women are working for the same purpose – to render charitable services beneficial to the general public with particular interest on children – just like the first 100 women in 1941.
The five-point crown was adopted in 1945 as a symbol of the ideals of JA – charity, youth, health, service and leadership. All 98 chapters still wear the crown with pride today.
The Kosciusko Chapter
The Kosciusko/Attala County chapter of Junior Auxiliary was founded June 9, 1971, and is still following the model set before it. Many of the early members of the local chapter have been very active in the community and can credit Junior Auxiliary as their beginning of involvement.
There are requirements to become a member of JA. Not only should a candidate inhabit a heart of service, but members are required to be 21 years of age and residents of the community. Once active status is established, members are required to perform a minimum of 57 hours of work assignments (24 service hours, 12 education hours, 21 finance hours).
After members complete their five years of active service, they have the option to become a Life or Associate member. Life member status requires an amount equal to 10 additional years of current associate. She may also pay associate dues to be granted Associate member status.
What is service for a member of JA?
The best part of JA is getting to put our hands and hearts to work. After all the hard work is done from raising funds, the service projects begin. The chapter serves the community and children in many different ways. From volunteering at local events to creating a water station along the Natchez Trace during the cycling event honoring Dr. Gary Holdiness, members of Junior Auxiliary can be found all over the community serving.
Here are some of the local chapter’s project highlights:
READING FOR KIDS is a great service to area Kindergarten classes in all schools in Attala County. Junior Auxiliary donates a new book for each classroom along with goody bags for the children. The project promotes literacy and care for the children in our community.
SUPPLY OUR SCHOOLS provides area schools with needed classroom supplies throughout the year with the help of school counselors. This project allows JA to serve students who are unable to provide their own supplies and encourage excellence in the classroom.
CROWN CLUB is a project involving local teen young ladies. Chosen based on character and grade point average, they are mentored by JA members in service and required to complete their own service hours. This opportunity instills a lifelong desire for serving others in many of the young ladies for years to come.
LOVE FROM ABOVE is a project focused on showing love to the children in the community by sending home bags of nonperishable food items with them for the weekend. Each Friday more than 50 students receive this blessing.
CAPS & CROWNS assists deserving high school seniors in need. These deserving students are chosen by school counselors and helped with the cost of their drape picture as well as their cap and gown for graduation.
Without the people of the community joining in supporting these ladies once a year, a child in Kosciusko would not know the comfort of a bag full of necessities when she is taken from school to foster care. A high school senior who was not sure he would have money for his cap and gown for graduation can rest easy because it is covered. A Kindergarten gets new books and goody bags after a lady of JA reads to their class. Young teen girls learn to serve their community with the members of JA mentoring them through Crown Club.
SOUTHERN SOIREE
This year when you hear “Charity Ball,” think “children” and how you might help Junior Auxiliary help them. The annual event is coming up March 3, and the theme is “Southern Soirée,” featuring the band Pinnishook.
The ladies of JA would love to have you join them. Tickets are $40 each, and there are opportunities to win donated items. There will be a silent auction and drawdown for a chance to win $1,000, as well. For tickets, contact Rachael Cade at 662-801-9079.
