We all know that children are the future of our nation. Having a good education is instrumental in preparing them for successful lives ahead, but many people are unaware that there are many children that do not have the school supplies they need to thrive. A lack of school supplies can inhibit children from properly participating in school activities and receiving their full academic potential.

Junior Auxiliary is a National Nonprofit Organization of ladies founded in 1949. The original JA Natchez Chapter conducted various projects, including dental care, school immunization and eye care, to improve the lives of children in the Miss-Lou. We continue that same passion and want to have the same impact for children today with projects such as Pack the Bus, Angel Tree, Camp Sunshine, Community Welfare, JA Run for the Kids, as well a yearly JA Scholarship Program.

The Junior Auxiliary of Natchez is committed to helping children in our community. Our current project includes facilitating a community operation to help provide school supplies for children who may not have all the supplies they need to begin the new school year.

On Saturday, the Junior Auxiliary will host its annual “Pack the Bus: Operation Back to School” event. Pack the Bus takes place at the Natchez Wal-Mart from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Junior Auxiliary members will be collecting school supplies as well as donations for school supplies for children in need in our area.

The supplies that are donated will be distributed to the elementary schools in our area for those children in need of school supplies. Items needed on the school supply list include pens, pencils, loose-leaf paper, notebooks, crayons, tissues, hand sanitizer, Zip-lock bags and backpacks. School supply lists will be provided at Pack the Bus for those who would like to shop on Saturday. Any and all donations will be accepted.

“Pack the bus: Operation Back to School” has been a successful project for Junior Auxiliary for many years, and we hope to have the same success this year. Last year, because of the amazing support of the community, we were able to completely fill over 100 school supply lists. But we need you! Donating a single notebook, a package of crayons, a box of pencils, etc. may seem like a small task, but in a child’s eyes they have received a gift. A gift that comes without strings is the best gift of all.

If you are unable to attend the Pack the Bus event but would like to help, you can contact any Natchez JA member or a donation may be mailed to: Junior Auxiliary of Natchez, P.O. Box 1592, Natchez, MS 39121. For questions or more information about Pack the Bus, you can contact Debra Allen, Pack the Bus Chairman, at 601-660-6506 or at debfriend2003@yahoo.com.

Please mark calendars and plan to participate with us at this event. A child’s education is a priority. Help us help them.

 

Spenser Rice is a volunteer with the Natchez chapter of Junior Auxiliary.