Almost 5,000 hours volunteered last year

Junior Auxiliary of Oxford will celebrate National JA Week April 7-13. This annual celebration is a time to pause and thank the community, sponsors and volunteer members who work so diligently all year to make a positive difference within the community.

“This is an exciting week for us, because it provides us with an opportunity to thank all of the citizens, businesses and organizations for supporting our projects,” chapter president Shanika Ward Stevens said. “The families and children we serve are so deserving and thankful for the assistance and programs offered, none of which would be possible without the support of the entire community.”  

The organization’s 2nd annual Spring Fling fundraiser event will be held on Saturday, May 4, at The Powerhouse. 

“Our annual fundraiser is a treasured community event that supports the chapter’s efforts to fulfill unmet needs of children and families throughout Lafayette County,” Stevens said.

Through yearly services projects, Junior Auxiliary of Oxford provides a variety of services and projects, including Camp Sunshine, Camp Bats & Balls, Crown Club, Character Day Dress-Up (costume drive), and a new provisional project, Mo’s Mighty Heroes Sensory Play Area.  

Junior Auxiliary of Oxford members spent 4,982 hours serving within the community, across a total of 11 projects in 2022-23.

For more information, or to make a tax deductible donation to JA of Oxford, visit www.jaofoxford.org or contact fundraising co-chairs Kate Wallace at kate.sinervo@gmail.com or Maty Katterjohn at mm.katterjohn@gmail.com.

JA of Oxford is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville. NAJA has over 17,000 active, associate and life members in 93 chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. 

Junior Auxiliary members (worked or volunteered) 107,93 hours in their communities to serve 201,934 people and invested more than $4 million in seven southeastern states in 2022-23.