Local Junior Auxiliary Celebrates Service

by Mary Downer

Hard work goes on year-round, but during the first full week of April each year, the Junior Auxiliary of Houma pauses to say thanks to the community for another great year.

One more year was packed with service to families and children through thirteen service projects. Just a few of their service projects included Santa Sneakers, a project that provided children with a brand-new pair of sneakers, Cinderella’s Closet, a project that enabled teenage girls to attend prom in a new dress and Young at Heart, a project that allowed members to visit with elderly residents in local retirement homes.

“This is such an exciting week for us, because it gives us a chance to thank all of the citizens of Houma for supporting us in this work and to recognize our wonderful corporate sponsors who finance these projects,” said Tina Cenac, chapter president. “The families and children we serve are so  deserving and thankful for this assistance. None of that would be possible without the support of the entire community.”

Junior Auxiliary of Houma is a part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, MS. N.A.J.A. has more than 14,000 active, associate and life members in 101chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana,  Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.

N.A.J.A. has a rich history of service and the Junior Auxiliary of Houma is proud to carry on that tradition. The local chapter embraces the founding principles of the national organization, “helping children and making a difference in their lives.” Junior Auxiliary of Houma has over 50 members who each donate 30 service hours every year to the chapter’s various projects.

The N.A.J.A. slogan is “Care Today - Character Tomorrow” and when teamed with the current focus of the association, Junior Auxiliary chapters are working harder than ever to increase awareness of child health and welfare and how it affects their futures.

For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation to Junior Auxiliary of Houma, call Mary Downer, public relations chair, at 985-868-7515. For more information on N.A.J.A., visit www.najanet.org or call (662) 332-3000.