We all know that children are the future of our nation and that having a good education is instrumental in preparing them for successful lives ahead, but many people are unaware that there are many children in our community who 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 reaching their full academic potential.

We at the Junior Auxiliary of Natchez are committed to helping children of our community succeed, and facilitate a community operation to help provide school supplies for children who may not have all they need to begin school.

Junior Auxiliary is a nonprofit organization of ladies that was founded in 1949 and has conducted various projects to improve the lives of children in the Miss-Lou.

On Saturday the Junior Auxiliary is hosting its annual “Pack the Bus: Operation Back to School” event.

At Pack the Bus, Junior Auxiliary members will be in front of Walmart in Natchez from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be collecting donations for school supplies for children in need in our area.

The supplies that are donated will be distributed among schools in our area for the children whose parents cannot afford the supplies that the children will need in the upcoming school year.

Individuals wishing to contribute can do so by either donating various school supplies or contributing monetary donations to be used to purchase school supplies.

If you cannot come to the Pack the Bus event at Walmart, a donation may be mailed to: Junior Auxiliary of Natchez, P.O. Box 1592 Natchez, MS 39121.

Some most needed items include pens, pencils, loose leaf paper, notebooks and backpacks.

School supply lists will be provided at Pack the Bus for those who would like to shop and donate for a particular school.

Last year we donated dozens of bags of school supplies to teachers throughout the schools in the community.

The letters and phone calls of gratitude we received in response to this operation were astounding — the residents of Natchez worked together to accomplish something wonderful and made an impact on many teachers and children.

This year, in addition to collecting supplies for West, Frazier, McLaurin and Morgantown elementary schools, we will also be collecting for the Natchez Children’s Home Preschool, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Sunshine Shelter.

We can all work together to make a difference in the lives of countless children in our community.

For more information on becoming a member of Junior Auxiliary please contact Jennifer at 601-807-6708.

 

Robin Rutherford is a member of Junior Auxiliary of Natchez.