The hard work goes on year-round, but during the first week of April each year, the Junior Auxiliary of Saline County pauses to say thanks to the community for another great year. A year packed with service to families and children through nine service projects that include everything from providing newborn essentials to new mothers to working with young women to promote a healthy body image to meeting urgent needs of families in the community. For 40 years, the Junior Auxiliary has made a difference in the lives of the children of our communities, and we couldn't do that without the support of the citizens of Saline County. We are so grateful to Mayor David Mattingly and the City Council for naming April 4, 2011 JA Day in Benton.
"This is such an exciting week for us, because it gives us a chance to thank all of the citizens of Saline County for supporting us in this work, and to recognize our wonderful corporate sponsors who finance these projects," Becca Cobb, President of Junior Auxiliary of Saline County, said. "The families and children we serve are so deserving and thankful for this assistance, and none of that would be possible without the support of the entire community."
"Junior Auxiliary has a rich history of service, and the Junior Auxiliary of Saline County is carrying on that tradition. This Chapter embraces the founding principles of our national organization, “helping children and making a difference in their lives,” said Charlotte Seals, NAJA President.
“The Junior Auxiliary has helped my students at Bryant Elementary. They have bought shoes for children throughout the year, and they have also provided clothing that is appropriate for the season. One of my children received boots this year right before the big snow. She was so happy to have those boots! I am so thankful to the Junior Auxiliary for helping out students in our community,” recalled Glenda Bloxom, a first grader teacher at Bryant Elementary.
Benton Middle School Principal Sue Shults commended the volunteers for their work. “The Junior Auxiliary has been a welcomed guest at our school for the past three years. They have given their time, knowledge and concern to our seventh grade girls as they have shared their Food and Mood program. The program shares important health information at an extremely critical time in the lives of our female students. We continue to be thankful for their investment in our students' well-being."
JA of Saline County has approximately 40 members who donate thousands of hours every year to the chapter's various projects. The chapter raises funds each year through a Golf Tournament and their Annual Children’s Benefit, which was held in February of this year. Thank you Saline County for your support over the past 40 years. We look forward to another 40 years of service!