Junior Auxiliary of Russellville
Civic & Cultural Projects
DOWNTOWN FALLFEST – JA members organize, run and award prizes for the Children’s Costume Contest that is held during the Downtown Fall Festival which takes place the last Saturday in October. Monetary funding is used to purchase trophies, ribbons, registration copies and goody bags for all contestants.
KIDSFEST/CANDY – Each JA member must bring 2 bags of “GOOD“candy for one service hour. Collected candy will be used to supplement the Russellville Parks and Recreation Department during the Kids Fest program, which is open to children of all ages in the surrounding areas. Approximately 1000 are served through this project.
MISTLETOE MARKET – JA members in conjunction with Crown Club assist the Boys and Girls Club by primarily running the concession stand and serving meals to the merchants, however at the request of the boys and girls club members can assist in other areas as needed during the event. Approximately 3500 are served.
STOCKINGS FOR SENIORS – JA will provide Christmas Cheer to the residents of Stella Manor Nursing Home (possible expansion to neighboring nursing homes). JA members will coordinate with the Nursing home to verify the items, delivery date, then will purchase items, stuff the stockings, and deliver in time for Christmas. Seniors are some of the most impacted by COVID. These stockings will help provide outreach to seniors, as well as allow us to serve a population that JA does not typically have a lot of involvement with. Supplemental items for this project will also be collected through the stock the closet project. .
FURNISH HOPE BASKETS – JA members will collect items to create kitchen, laundry and bathroom baskets for young adults that have reached the age of majority and are no longer able to be in and cared for by the foster care system. JA will partner with Furnish Hope to provide these basis amenities to an older population that are in incredible need. Supplemental items for this project will be collected through the stock the closet project
TOYS FOR KIDS – JA members volunteer in conjunction with CASA of the 5th Judicial by donating a new wrapped toy, valued at approx. $20 for children within the CASA program for 1 service hour. Specific toys may be chosen from a sign up list provided by CASA following the guidelines set forth by the program. Life and Associate members, in conjunction with the JA Christmas Coffee, have also traditionally participated.
SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER- JA members will serve meals to patrons of the Pope Co. Senior Activity Center during Summer Burger Fest. Volunteers additionally interact with patrons assisting with trays and takeout orders. Hundreds are served through this project.
