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. The organization is recruiting new members right now! Membership in the organization is open to women over 21 years of age. New member teas will be held at the JATC office in Hollister on July 22 from 2- 4 p.m. and August 9 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Reservations are required.

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 eleven 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 senior at all four Taney County public high schools and ScholarCare, a renewable 4-year scholarship; 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 providing materials and volunteer support to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies at Mark Twain Elementary School; support for The Crisis Center, including respite care and birthday parties and helping to build a playground for resident children; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for Kirbyville, Bradleyville, Mark Twain, and Taneyville elementary schools; Emergency Fund assistance to enable OTC students to continue their studies; and Book Swap, providing a revolving supply of books 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. This year the 18th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction was held at the Radisson Hotel in Branson on April 14, 2018, and raised over $22,000, all of which was reinvested in our community. This year the theme was Sherlock Holmes; after all, “It’s elementary, my dear Watson.”

JATC also raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, Schwan’s Cares, AmazonSmile, Mr. G’s Annual JATC Days, Paddle Party, grants and individual donations. Generous local businesses and individuals also donate to JATC’s various events including Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Binswanger Glass, Chateau on the Lake, Big Cedar, State Park Marina, Central Bank of Branson, First Community Bank of Branson, Branson Hot Tubs & Pools, Branson Bank, Lowe’s, Ozarks Family Vision Center, AAA Insurance Agent-Mary Ann Dailey, Sir Speedy Printing, Edward Jones-Mitch Holmes, The Farmhouse Restaurant, Judge Tiffany Yarnell, and many more. Recently, Palmerton & Parrish, Inc Engineering and Treat Architects, P.C. provided assistance for our “Playground Project” at the Women’s Crisis Center.

Check out the organization’s website, JATCMO.org to learn more about this great group, or call Membership Chair, Cathy Brown at (417) 335-1366 or Co-Chair Mary Jo Green at (417) 337-1836 to find out how to get involved. Members do not need to live in Taney County to be in JATC.

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.

Published by: Branson Tri-Lakes News, Wednesday, July 18, 2018; Branson Daily Independent, Wednesday, July 18, 2018