Junior Women wrap up a record-breaking year

SMITHFIELD — With volunteer logs calculated and fundraisers completed, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield has reported the results of its 2023-24 club year.

The JWL donated more than $8,400 to community nonprofits and student scholarships, and its members volunteered 2,552 hours toward the betterment of Johnston County, setting a club record.

During its ninth annual Big Night Out, the JWL presented grants to My Kid’s Club and First in Families Johnston County. My Kid’s Club received $1,900 to put laptops in the hands of young people, while First in Families received $2,000 to help feed and clothing families.

“JWL is proud to have awarded over $146,000 in Community Impact Grants since its inception to many Johnston County nonprofit organizations,” said Amanda Johnson, the club’s vice president for fund development.

The JWL accepts grant applications on a rolling basis, allowing the club to award monies more flexibly and increase the number of groups that receive funding. Money comes from the club’s Big Night Out and Touch-A-Truck fundraisers,

“With over $1,500 in funds raised from our Letters from Santa initiative, we were able to provide additional winter coats for local children,” Johnson added.

Throughout the year, the JWL uses dollars raised to stock its 10 teal Blessing Boxes, which are located at fire stations across Johnston. The club invites Johnstonians in need to pick up food items and toiletries from the boxes.

Also this past year, the JWL awarded $3,000 in college scholarships to young women who exhibit service and leadership.

Volunteering a record number of hours, club members served as baseball buddies for Miracle League players, helped with food and clothing distribution at With Love from Jesus, shopped with police to fulfill the holiday wishes of children, baked lasagnas with Lasagna Love and rang the bells with the Salvation Army.

“When you consider that volunteer time is valued at $31.25 per hour, that’s nearly an $81,000 impact that JWL has had on Johnston County since September 2023,” said Dawn Genna, the club’s vice president for community outreach and engagement.

Volunteers also conducted coat drives for children, provided meals for teenage girls at House of Hope, provided snacks and desserts for patients and visitors at the SECU Hospice House and transported Backpack Buddies items for distribution during the school year.

“Our members have worked tirelessly this year to meet the needs of the Johnston County community and have made quite a measurable impact,” said Lisa Bland, the JWL president. “They continually went above and beyond due to their passion for service, voluntarism, connection and inclusion.”

“We must also thank the many individuals and businesses in our community who have supported our efforts by attending our events, stepping up as sponsors, community contributors or donors, and wholeheartedly embracing JWL and its mission.”

The JWL is accepting applications from prospective new members through Feb. 28, 2025. Partial member scholarships are available. Interested women ages 21 and older can learn more at jwlsmithfield.com or on the club’s social media.

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