Hello Community Members, 

It is my honor and privilege to serve as President of the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield.

It is hard to believe we are going into the eighth year of serving Johnston County. Here is the mission of our service organization, “The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.”
 

While our members come to the JWL for different reasons – including opportunities for volunteering in the community, skill development, and leadership roles – we are each committed to making a positive impact in the community in which we live and serve. Over the past seven years, we have partnered with multiple local organizations to help make a difference in the lives of others. To date, we have positively impacted Johnston County communities by giving more than 14,856 volunteer service hours and awarded over $138,000 in Community Impact Grants to Johnston County nonprofit organizations and Student Scholarships.
 

We are looking forward to being intentional with our service this year. We are excited to partner with several community organizations to volunteer, share local events and raise funds that will go back into the community. One community event we are looking forward to sharing with the community is our Touch a Truck event, which families can attend for free on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9am-2pm in Downtown Smithfield. At this event, we will be collecting non-perishable food and hygiene items to stock our ten Blessing Boxes at local fire departments throughout Johnston County. We are so excited to continue to serve alongside community leaders and partners. Thank you for being a supporter, friend, and partner and contributing to the success of the Junior Women’s League. 

Cheerfully, 

Dr. Kendra Hancock 

2022-2023 JWL President

JWL to Host 7th Annual Touch-A-Truck

Touch-A-Truck is a unique and interactive fundraiser that allows children to see, touch, and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve, and build Johnston County communities. Trucks on display will include emergency vehicles, tractors, machinery, construction equipment, farm equipment, service and delivery trucks, and more.

This event will also include food trucks, inflatables, special guests, face painting, and so much more! There is fun for children and adults alike! Admission is FREE!
$5 wristbands will be available to purchase for inflatables, face painting, etc.

Proceeds from Touch-A-Truck will directly benefit Johnston County through the Junior Women's League of Smithfield's initiatives like the Johnston County Blessing Boxes and Peanut Butter Buddies. Funds also support grants for other Johnston County non-profits to assist with the development of programs benefitting women and children. JWL has awarded over $135,000 in Community Impact Grants since its inception in January 2016.

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JWL’s members will collect non-perishable food and personal care items to be placed in JWL’s Blessing Boxes throughout Johnston County. Look for the collection site under the Touch-A-Truck flag! Attendees can drop off items or monetary donations at the black 1934 rat rod featuring the JWL logo, sponsored by Teddy Bland, realtor with HomeTowne Realty Clayton East. 

To learn more about this event, sign up as a sponsor or supply a truck for the children to explore, please visit our website or click on the quick reference links below.

JWL Awards Scholarship to Smithfield-Selma High School Senior