Friendship, fun, and fulfillment are some of the benefits awaiting women who join Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC). If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community and have a heart for children, JATC may be just the ticket. And the organization is recruiting new members right now! Membership in the organization is open to women over 21 years of age.

Committed to identifying and responding to the needs of children and families throughout Taney County, JATC members design and implement service projects designed to address issues affecting child health and well-being. Currently, JATC members finance and operate ten projects including Santa’s Gift House, creating hand-crafted gift items for children to choose and experience the joy of giving; College Scholarships for a seniors at all four Taney County public high schools; Prom Dresses for girls in need; Tender Critters stuffed animals to be distributed to children in local hospitals; Heart of the Arts supporting arts activities for clients of the Developmental Center; Learners Today-Leaders Tomorrow (LT2) providing materials and volunteer support to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies at Bradleyville Elementary School; maintenance/home improvement and monetary support for one cottage at the Women’s Crisis Center, as well as sponsorship of birthday parties for resident children; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for Forsyth, Bradleyville, Mark Twain, and Taneyvilleelementary schools; Emergency Fund assistance to enable OTC students to continue their studies; and Homework Helpers, providingsnacks, enrichment activities, reading and homework help for children who live in extended-stay motels. Through these and other activities JATC’s 40+ members contribute more than 4000 volunteer hours annually as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County. Members raise money for these projects through one major event – a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction held in the spring each year.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Check out the organization’s website, JATCMO.org to learn more about this great group, or call Membership Chair, Bobbie Wydeen at (417) 699-4728 to find out how to get involved. Members do not need to live in Taney County to be in JATC.

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, Friday, July 15, 2016; Branson Daily Independent, Sunday, July 17, 2016