In 2009, The Junior League of Macon, Inc. made the decision to focus its mission on improving literacy and school readiness through school partnerships, education, fundraising, advocacy and hands-on projects. During the 2011-2012 League year, JLM donated more than 2,500 books to literacy focused community organizations, schools and families, served 1,400 children, and volunteered approximately 5,320 hours, which is equivalent to $106,400.
During the 2012-2013 League year, we are striving to do more through the following community projects.
Roving Readers was started shortly after the Junior League of Macon changed its focus area to literacy and school readiness. Its main purpose is to provide books for preschools, such as the Head Start schools and for Elementary students at Burdell-Hunt. Through this placement, members go into Burdell Hunt for Read for the Record Day to read the chosen book, do hands on projects related to the book, and give each child in attendance a copy of the book. Members collect books through two book drives held through Barnes and Nobles. The first book drive is directly related to Read for the Record. Community Members are asked to purchase the chosen book so that it can be distributed to the students at Burdell-Hunt. The second book drive is used to collect books to be distributed to local preschools and organizations that are in need.
Between the Lines is one of the Junior League of Macon’s newest projects. This is event is a partnership with Robins Air Force Family Readiness Center. The event is focused around airmen who will be deploying in the next year and have young children at home. Between the Lines has three main goals: to maintain literacy after a parent deploys, encourage family bonds, and emphasize the importance of parent/child interaction through reading. During the event, deploying airmen come and read a copy of the chosen book, as well as write a letter to their child. Their reading is recorded and then burned onto a CD. The CD, letter, and a copy of the book are then mailed to their child upon their deployment.
MoYo Parties is also a new placement within our League. For this project the Junior League of Macon has partnered with Motivating Youth Foundation to reward girl students who are K-5 that make the honor roll during a 9 week period. The reward party is held on a Saturday and is literacy themed (i.e. Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, Stephanie Moore’s series of books, etc.). During the party JLM members work alongside the girls developing relationships and encouraging them to continue with their good grades so they can come back to the next party.
Kids Boutique is an event that helps 25 needy elementary school children in Bibb County by ensuring that they have adequate clothing and supplies for school through a shopping extravaganza at a local clothing store. JLM members spend the day investing in the children, talking about their lives, and helping them shop for what they need. The children are also given school supplies and books.
For more information on any of our community projects and how you can get involved, please contact our 2012-2013 placement chair, Jessica Johnson.
