SMITHFIELD – With volunteer logs calculated and fundraisers complete, the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield (JWL) has reported the results of its 2023-2024 league year, during which it donated more than $8,400 to community organizations and student scholarships and volunteered 2,552 hours toward the betterment of Johnston County, setting a league record.
During its 9th Annual Big Night Out – “An Evening of Boots and Bow Ties” at The Barn at Broadslab in Benson on May 17, 2024, JWL presented My Kid’s Club and First in Families Johnston County with Community Impact Grant monies. My Kid’s Club was awarded $1,900 for their Empowering Youth Through Technology: MKC Laptop Enhancement Initiative and First in Families Johnston County was awarded $2,000 for their Feeding and Clothing Johnston County Families with Dignity initiative.
“JWL is proud to have awarded over $146,000 in Community Impact Grants since its inception to many Johnston County nonprofit organizations, funded by our signature fundraisers, Big Night Out and Touch-A-Truck,” stated Amanda Johnson, 2023-2024 VP of Fund Development. Grants are accepted on a rolling application basis allowing the League to appropriate monies in a more flexible manner and increase the number of organizations who receive grant funding.
Johnson continued, “With over $1,500 in funds raised from our Letters from Santa initiative, we were able to provide additional winter coats for local children benefiting from the services of My Kid’s Club and Partnership for Children of Johnston County.”
Furthermore, throughout the service year, the league subsidized its ten teal Blessing Boxes at local fire stations in Johnston County for community members to anonymously pick up essentials like non-perishable food items and toiletries during their time of need, and awarded $3,000 in student scholarships to females residing in Johnston County who exhibit service and leadership and are pursuing higher education through a community college, college, or university.
“JWL members volunteered throughout the year with our “Friends of the League” organizations in many different ways, such as baseball buddies for Miracle League players, assisting with food and clothing distribution at With Love from Jesus, shopping with the police to fulfill the holiday needs of local children, baking lasagnas with Lasagna Love, ringing the bells with the Salvation Army, and at events like 5Ks and galas hosted by our partner organizations,” stated VP of Community Outreach & Engagement Dawn Genna. “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.”
In addition to their direct interactions with JWL’s “Friends of the League” organizations, members have also contributed in other ways, including coat drives for the children at My Kid’s Club and Partnership for Children of Johnston County, stocking JWL’s Blessing Boxes, providing meals for teenage girls at House of Hope, providing snacks and desserts for the clients and visitors at the SECU Hospice House, and transporting 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. They continually went above and beyond due to their passion for service, voluntarism, connection and inclusion,” stated Lisa Bland, 2023-2024 President. “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.”
JWL is accepting applications from prospective new members through February 28, 2025. Partial member scholarships are available as well. Interested women ages 21 and older who’d like to make a difference in Johnston County are encouraged to apply. Membership details and applications can be found on their website and social media.
