The Heart of a Child

The Searcy Junior Auxiliary will host their 48th annual charity benefit, "The Heart of a Child," on February 26th.

The event begins at 6:30 pm at the Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall; all are invited for hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dancing and auctions to benefit Junior Auxiliary outreach projects.

Cocktail attire suggested. Tickets can be purchased from any JA member for $55 each or $100 per couple. For more information, please call Nicole Hopkins at 501-230-1194.

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The Searcy chapter of Junior Auxiliary began in 1959 and chartered in 1962 with a few ladies who wanted to make a difference in our community. Fifty-two years later, the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy continues to volunteer their time to make a difference.

We provide coats, underwear and school supplies for children in need. We give Christmas to some who would not receive a gift under the tree. We give families the blessing of gathering around the dinner table for Thanksgiving. Junior Auxiliary continually supports the Sunshine School with an Easter party and Halloween carnival, for example.

We never could have gotten to this point without the financial support from our community. As we prepare for our only corporate-sponsored fundraiser, we ask that you consider supporting your community through the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION -- The Searcy chapter of Junior Auxiliary is a non-profit organization that encourages members to render charitable services which are beneficial to the public, with particular emphasis on children. JA represents a serious endeavor on the part of women to be active and constructive participants and to assume leadership roles in meeting the communities needs.

The help we give to the children in White County comes in the form of 8 projects:

ANGEL TREE – We provided clothes and Christmas toys to 505 children in the county in 2007

FOOD BASKETS – We gave 325 families large boxes of non-perishable food items this past Thanksgiving

SUNSHINE SCHOOL – (an educational facility in Searcy, AR  for special needs children) receives ongoing support from our chapter through out the year. We host an annual Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Carnival, as well as an appreciation luncheon for the schools faculty. We also assist at day camp, a fund-raising flea market and Special Olypmics

COVERING KIDS – We give area students coats, clothes and backpacks at the recommendation of school counselors

CHILD LURES – (a week-long course that teaches the prevention of childhood exploitation and related crimes) JA members present this curriculum each year to 3rd graders at five elementary schools

DAY OF CARING – We volunteer in this annual community outreach. In 2007, the Searcy JA served lunch to over 1,400 people, distributed undergarments to children and provided daycare during the medical exams

CROWN CLUB – (an organization for 10-12th grade girls that JA oversees) Last year there were 34 active members in Crown Club. This club teaches and encourages young women to participate in community services and develops young leaders

SCHOLARSHIPS – Each year, JA of Searcy provides 2 scholarships to college-bound seniors who are involved in community service.

KEY MEMBERS – Searcy JA currently has 41 active members & 14 of those members serve on the Executive Board of Directors.

CONTACT INFORMATION – Searcy Junior Auxiliary, PO Box 156, Searcy, AR 72143

WEBSITE – the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) website is www.najanet.org

EVENT INFO & DATES –

Searcy JA will be involved in the Annual Day of Caring this summer

In August we will assist the Sunshine School with a back to school day camp at Camp Wyldewood & get active again in Crown Club 

In October we will host the annual Sunshine School Halloween Carnival

In November we will kick off our Food Drive

In December we will be accepting adoptions and donations for our Angel Tree project

In January we will hold an appreciation luncheon for the Sunshine School faculty & begin preparations for the annual Charity Ball

In the spring JA of Searcy will host the Sunshine School Easter Egg Hunt as well as their fund-raising flea market, help with the District Special Olympics, do the Child Lures presentations, and present 2 college scholarships to deserving high school seniors in the area.

NEWS – This year at the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries annual education conference in Birmingham, Ala. the Searcy JA chapter received 2 national awards: The Public Relations for Service of overall chapter promotion and the Efficiency Award.