Service
Let’s do our part together to change the world
JA Cares
Sometimes our community needs immediate assistance. Fires, tornadoes, and other disasters come without warning. JA Cares is where our members can step in with hearts and hands to offer help and supplies to our area. In past years, we've supplied everything from household essentials and clothing to fire victims to cleaning supplies for areas suffering from recent flooding.
Adopt-a-School
Adopt a School focuses on mentoring relationships with students at the Magnolia School. We provide mentoring through monthly art classes throughout the school year, as well as any other personal needs of the children as requested. JADC also serves as support to the teachers and staff of the school in a PTO-type relationship, providing appreciation weeks.
JA of DeSoto
High School Scholarship Program
JADC offers three $1,000 scholarships to local high school students and one $1,000 scholarship to a Desoto County college student. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who exemplify a heart for helping children and plan to use the scholarship to study a child-related field of study.
Jump Back to School
This project focuses on Desoto County students referred by DHS in need of school supplies. At the event, each child receives a backpack filled with grade-required school supplies and a new pair of shoes based on their preferences. This event is a drive-thru event where children can visit various stations and receive snow cones and snacks as we celebrate the start of the school year.
Coats for Kids
This project focuses on Desoto County students referred by DHS in need of winter clothing. At the event, each child receives a winter coat and gloves based on their size and color preference. This event is a drive-thru event where children can collect candy from each car, receive a snack, and get ready for the start of cooler weather with a warm winter coat.
P.A.L.S.
Providing Aid, Lending Support (PALS) was designed to reach Desoto County school children who are in need and do not fit within the parameters for traditional assistance programs. Junior Auxiliary members work with teachers, counselors, schools, and DHS to supply personal hygiene items, school supplies, glasses, clothes, and various other items to assist these children.
Crown Club
Our award-winning Crown Club is where JA members mentor high school girls to create a wonderful “mini -JA” chapter of their own. Crown Club members elect their own board, have monthly meetings, and plan service projects that benefit Desoto County residents. Serving in Crown Club allows girls to learn firsthand about serving others in simple, practical ways.
Palmer Night Out
Palmer Night Out focuses on mentoring relationships with children from the Palmer Home through monthly outings. During the school year, JADC provisional members plan activities for the children including bowling, a trip to the movie theater, roller skating, and a trip to Cedar Hill Farm. PNO has been a service project since our chapter was established, and we have followed several children from kindergarten through high school.
Girls ‘U’
Girls U is an all-day, fun-filled, Saturday camp in the spring for Desoto County sixth grade girls. The girls are taught by JADC members on subjects such as art, nutrition, personal and internet safety, self-confidence, and etiquette. Camp participants are nominated by their teachers and school counselors, and the children leave with gift bags and t-shirts.
DeSoto’s Kids
DeSoto’s Kids provides aid to children in the area of needs & wants. Whether it be a Christmas gift, soccer participation fees, or a birthday cake, this project is intended to put smiles on the faces of children who might not usually receive these gifts or have the means to participate. Requests must go through school counselors. If you have questions, please email JAofDesotoCounty@gmail.com.
JA’s Will 5K
This award-winning service project (Martha Wise Award – 2018 New Outstanding Project) is hosted by JADC to bring awareness to the importance of being an organ donor and how this generous gift can make a difference in the lives of others. All funds raised at this family event go toward supporting a Desoto County family that has a child waiting on a transplant or battling a chronic illness.
Character Cabins
Located throughout Desoto County, JADC maintains character cabins to promote literacy in both children and adults. Desoto County residents can pick a book out from the character cabin and replace it with another book so others can continue reading. JADC members also promote literacy by reading books to Desoto County classrooms and celebrating National Read Across America Day.