The November General Membership Meeting continued to celebrate the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.’s (JLC) 95 years of service and impact to the community. JLC members spent 95 consecutive hours volunteering in the Charlotte community the week before Thanksgiving. Yes, that means women got up at 2:00 a.m. to keep the hours going. In a year like no other, members wanted to live out the JLC mission and help other organizations throughout the community, even if just from their home. It’s something the League chose to do right before the holiday season as it’s a wonderful time to give back to those less fortunate.
Read more about what members learned by participating and how much the other organizations appreciated our help.
“I learned that while Second Harvest does have employees, their volunteers allow them to save a lot of money on labor which is how they can afford to provide food to so many people in our community. So without volunteers from the JLC and in the community, many of our neighbors would go hungry.” -Elizabeth “Betsy” Myers who volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank
“I learned the importance of investing in kids’ education and ensuring that they have the proper books to read.”-Deanna Thompson who donated books to Promising Pages
“It reminded me to be positive and that we can get through anything as a community supporting each other.”-Morgan McGrann who created inspirational videos for kids with ParentChild+ and Thompson Child & Family Focus
“The JLC vision of being a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in this community was exemplified. I learned that even though a worldwide pandemic, the JLC is committed to innovative measures to support families & children.“-Meia Burke who created videos for kids with ParentChild+ and Thompson Child & Family Focus
“No matter how much we continue to help in the community, there are still so many needs. We are 95 years strong and must keep going.”-Kerry Simmons who helped at Reid Park Academy
“After participating in these projects, especially at Reid Park Elementary, it is humbling to see how much need there is in our community, and how by working together we can truly make an impact. To be able to see the people we were helping and how many lives we touched was amazing.”-Caroline Will who helped at Reid Park Academy and Thompson Child & Family Focus
“After putting the kits together, I went to the Bright Blessings website to learn more about their mission and what types of services they provide to the Charlotte community. It’s good to know that the JLC has chosen a community partner that focuses on making an underserved child’s life more ‘normal’ and gives them something to help the other aspect that may impede their ability to succeed in school like the birthday parties and hygiene kits.“-Jessica Mielec who made hygiene kits for Bright Blessings
“I learned that many teachers spend $500 – $1,000 annually out of their own pocket on their students. I am so happy that my 200 flashcards will help level the educational playing field for students, as well as ease the financial burden on teachers who shop at the Classroom Central stores for essential classroom supplies!“-Gina Crittenden who created flashcards for Classroom Central
“I just walked out of a Board Meeting where I was able to tell our Board about what the Junior Leaguers accomplished this week. Nearly 8,400 diapers are finding their way into the hands of families thanks to your efforts. We cannot be more proud and thankful for what you and your team accomplished. Please extend our gratitude to your organization and the volunteers who made it happen.-Jake House, CEO of SmartStart
“The JLC team is truly amazing!!!”-Richard Russell, Principal Sugar Creek Charter School
“Thank you, Junior League of Charlotte for serving Classroom Central’s students and teachers during your 95 Hours of Continuous Service! WOW!”-Classroom Central
