Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) was overwhelmed with the generosity of our community during the latest “Tender Critters” drive. Community members donated almost 700 stuffed animals, and an additional $145 which included a $100 donation from First Community Bank to purchase more animals. JATC members deliver the stuffed animals each week to the staff at Cox Medical Center-Branson so they can give them to children who visit the ER or need to stay in the hospital. Last year over 2000 critters were distributed to children in the ER at Cox Medical Center-Branson.

“Tender Critters” is one of the longest running projects for JATC, with members donating new stuffed animals throughout the year and holding a “Tender Critter” drive in February when community members are invited to brighten a child’s day by donating a “tender critter”. Businesses, churches and other groups who acted as drop-off points to collect critters this year included Binswanger Glass, Branson Bank, Branson United Methodist Church, Central Bank, Church of Christ in Kimberling City, CoxHealth Fitness Center, Hogan Land Title, Legends in Concert Theatre, St. Joseph’s Anglican Church, and Victory Chiropractic. Vietnam Veterans Association Chapters 913 and 1119, as well as the Taneycomo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hold collections from their members for us throughout the year. It’s a small effort that can make a big impact on a child’s time in the hospital.

Tender Critters is one of many service projects that JATC members provide to the community. Others include Santa’s Gift House; College Scholarships for a senior at all four Taney County public high schools; Prom Dresses for girls in need; child care so parents can attend counseling at the Crisis Center; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools; and Book Swaps for children who live in extended-stay motels.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website JATCMO.ORG, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

Members raise the majority of the money for these projects through one major event - a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction held in the spring each year. This year the 20th Annual Trivia Challenge and Silent Auction will be held at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson on April 4, 2020. You can help by contacting Paula Eighmy (417-294-1045) to reserve a table.

JATC raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, Mr. G’s Pizza Annual JATC Days, and JATC Market Days, as well as donations from corporate charitable giving (e.g., Amazon Smile, Microsoft, and Walmart), generous local businesses and churches (e.g., Branson’s Cowboy Church located at God & Country Theatre, Doug Baker State Farm Insurance, Ozark Mountain Ear Nose & Throat, Branson Bank, Central Bank, First Community Bank, Ollis, Akers & Arney Insurance, Edward Jones-Mitch and Jennifer Holmes, Edward Jones-Mac McGregor, and Dale Sanders American Family Insurance.)

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.

Published by: Tri-Lakes News, Wednesday, March 18, 2020; Springfield News-Leader, Tuesday, March 31, 2020