The Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs donates to local food pantries, awards scholarships to college students, and provides essential items to local school children.
The Junior Auxiliary (JA) of Hot Springs is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families in Garland County. A cornerstone of this effort is the new “JA on Call” program, which provides essential items—such as clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies—to underserved children in local schools.
The program began as an on-demand service but has since evolved into a structured program with monthly deliveries to schools, streamlining the process and also ensuring that children receive timely support. Counselors submit requests via an online form, and JA members mobilize to collect, organize, and distribute the items.
Launched in the fall of 2024, the program is led by two dedicated members, Shelbi Carpenter-Hollensworth and Kelly Ray, who work closely with members serving as team leads and committees, representing JA to each school district. Through collaboration with school counselors, JA members strive to ensure these children have what they need to succeed.
Beyond “JA on Call,” the Hot Springs chapter supports the community through a variety of outreach efforts. The recent JA Fun Day offered a special field trip for students in local special education programs, giving them a day of fun and enrichment. JA members also donate to local food pantries during the holiday season, helping to ease food insecurity for families in need. JAHS also awards annual scholarships for college students who are in need or working towards a child-focused career.
Fundraising plays a vital role in sustaining these programs, with events like the annual Prohibition fundraiser to be held January 25, 2025, at the Hamp Williams Building, and Spring Fling at 420 Eats on April 27. These events not only generate funds to support the organization’s programs throughout the year but also allow JA to support other local organizations.
Many JA members are actively involved in other community organizations, providing opportunities to network and further promote JA’s mission of serving children and families. Through their dedication and diverse activities, the Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs continues to demonstrate the power of collective action and compassion, ensuring no child in Garland County is left behind.
Visit their Facebook: Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs and Instagram pages to follow and support their efforts to promote their mission on social media.
