Junior Auxiliary marks 23 years
As Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville observed National Junior Auxiliary Week April 1 through 6, the young women re-emphasized its purpose and the work being done to enrich the lives of many children in Warren County. Throughout the chapter’s 23-year history, its members have been dedicated to providing charitable services for the community with particular emphasis on the needs of children.
The idea for Junior Auxiliary dates back to 1941 when a small group of women sought changes in lieu of the Depression and World War II. They concentrated on the needs of minors as well as helping out on the home front. Primary concerns were economic, social, educational, civic and cultural conditions of children.
The McMinnville chapter evolved much the same way Junior Auxiliary started nationally. In 1979, about 40 local young women assembled to find out more about the organization already actively involved in West Tennessee. Thus, McMinnville Women’s Club was established in June of that year as needs in our community and project ideas were gathered. On May 7, 1982, 56 members of the local Women’s Club became associated with the National Junior Auxiliary. At present, the chapter boasts 29 active members, 38 associate members and 25 life members, in addition to 12 provisional members who are anticipating active status in May.
“Care Today – Character Tomorrow” is the mission for Junior Auxiliary as the members carry out numerous community service projects involving countless volunteer hours.
Fund-raising projects that finance all other projects include the Junior Miss Warren County Pageant encouraging high self-esteem in girls ages 14 through 16, Flamingo Flocking, Bovine Bingo, Rotary Golf Tournament and Gazebo Gala cookbook sales.
Service projects include ACT – Adults Count, Too; JUMP, implementing little sister-big sister mentoring for first- through third-graders; Sister ACT dinner; Child Lures booklets for guidance counselors; child safety at the Children’s Health Fair; Christmas in the Park; Coats for Kids; JA Pals Easter egg hunt and Christmas shopping spree; Pound Pals dog wash to raise money for the Animal Shelter; Fourth of July children’s Yankee Doodle parade; JA Puppet Shows; Pencil pals distribution of school supplies; Red Ribbon Day high school project proclaiming “Proud to be Drug Free;” Basket Buddies providing crayons and activities for young hospital patients; Samaritan Purse shoe boxes filled with non-perishable items distributed overseas; SMILE fun activities for special education students; and much more.