Junior Auxiliary of George County offers help to the community

Lucedale, Miss. (WXXV)- In George County, one small group is taking on big needs. Ranging from food, clothing, literacy and life skills.

Annie Williams lives at Pecan Chateau with her daughter and grandchildren — and says finding support is always easy.

“Doing things for the kids, you know? That’s a good thing. We don’t have a lot of people in the community that would do things like that.”

She’s talking about the Junior Auxiliary of George County — a volunteer-run nonprofit chartered in 2023.

Most members are educators, including Carol Howell, who bring programs directly to schools and neighborhoods.

“The children, their little faces light up,” said Howell. “They know when they see me that means I’m going to read to them.”

In a county where more than 70% of students are economically disadvantaged, Public Relations Chair Carmen Johnson says even small gestures can have a big impact.

“We’re non-profit. If we don’t have it, we provide it ourselves sometimes,” said Johnson. “So, you have to get it from wherever you can.”

As the group grows, so does community support.

A recent fundraiser brought in nearly $12,000 — enough to sustain most of the year’s projects.

It’s helped that the community has kind of gotten on board with us too.”

For volunteer Carmen Johnson, every donation means more opportunities to meet local needs.

“It is a lot of fun to see where you’re needed and plug a gap within the community,” said Johnson.

Now, the Junior Auxiliary is preparing to expand its reach — and bring in new members. For families like Williams’, that support is already making a difference.

“It’s good for parents that are less fortunate and with a lot of kids, and I think they’re happy,” said Williams.

The Junior Auxiliary of George County will host an interest meeting on July 24.

Women aged 21 and older are encouraged to attend.