The Pandemic has canceled many events for JATC this year, but we will have our eleventh straight Santa’s Gift House on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Branson United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 1208 West 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO from 9 am - 12 noon.

Thanks to JA elves and their friends and neighbors working from their homes we have almost 1800 gifts, mostly handmade. Children Pre-K through 4th grade throughout Taney County are invited to come shop for gifts for their family members, friends, and/or teachers. They will be accompanied by JA elves so that the treasures they find may remain surprises until Christmas morning. Shoppers pay $.50 each for up to four gifts, giving them the experience of sharing what they have with others. Once they have made their choices, the children will be guided to the area where their gifts are wrapped and gift tags are applied.

Children go “shopping” for high quality gifts which include ornaments, colorful paintings, marshmallow shooters, plush toys, hats, scarves, candy jars, Fairy gardens, BBQ sets, sling shots. decorative items, and doggie chew toys, among many others.

Because of the Pandemic, there will be some changes to the venue this year. Family members will be asked to wait at the exit for their children. There will be no refreshment table and Santa has declined to make an appearance this year so he can stay healthy for his Christmas Eve trip with the reindeer. Instead of the craft area, children will receive a gift and treat for themselves as they exit the area. Everyone in attendance at this event will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing rules.

JATC appreciates the following community members who have helped with this year’s Santa’s Gift House: Branson United Methodist Church, Tanger Shopping Mall, Liberty Exposition Services, Inc., and Culvers.

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website JATCMO.ORG, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

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; Empowering the Little Dreamers at The Crisis Center, including respite care and birthday parties and building a playground for resident children; School Supplies in September and supplies “refreshment” and Teacher Gift Cards in January for Kirbyville, Bradleyville, Mark Twain, and Taneyville elementary schools; Christmas Assistance Program through Branson Schools; Book Swap, providing a revolving supply of books for children who live in extended-stay motels; Halloween Grape Stomp at Hollister’s Fall Festival where JA provides a booth geared strictly to children’s activities; and Kindness Effect Cards where JA members and children young and old write cards to seniors living at nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Taney County.

Our major fundraiser is a Trivia/Silent Auction event usually held in the Spring each year, but due to the Pandemic it was canceled and will be held May 8, 2021 at the Chateau on the Lake. This will be our 20th Annual Trivia.

Generous local businesses and individuals also donate to JATC’s various events including Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Binswanger Glass, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Chateau on the Lake, Central Bank of Branson, First Community Bank of Branson, Branson Bank, Lowe’s, Mr. G’s Chicago Pizza & Pub, Sir Speedy Printing, Edward Jones-Mitch Holmes, Edward Jones-Mac McGregror, Dale Sanders American Family Insurance, Culvers, and many more.

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, Saturday, November 21, 2020