The Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. (JLKD), an organization of  women committed to helping at-risk youth within DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties, is welcoming new members for its 2009-10 service year.  Informational meetings are scheduled throughout the spring and summer for area women interested in learning more about the organization.

“The Junior League is an international organization with a rich history of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” explained JLKD President Tracy Rogers.  “Our local chapter brings this mission to life through the dedication and service of members from throughout DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties who have diverse backgrounds but who share the common goal of improving the lives of children within our communities.  We do a lot of good and we have a lot of fun in the process.”

JLKD supports numerous community partners by collecting needed items and volunteering countless hours of time.  JLKD also conducts a variety of community outreach programs focused on promoting literacy, developing self-esteem and providing positive programming within in our communities, including:

·        Children’s Waiting Room – a place for children to safely play in a supervised environment while their parents or caretakers are involved in court related business at the Kane County Judicial Center.  JLKD supports the waiting room by providing furniture, educational items, age-appropriate books, and by volunteering in the room each month.

·        Cinderella’s Closet – a community project that reaches students who have current financial difficulties and merit royal treatment by a “Fairy Godmother.” Through generous donations and volunteer participation from members and the community, JLKD provides formalwear, accessories and services free of charge to area “Cinderellas.”

·        Fitting in Together – a program that helps girls with the transition from elementary to middle school in social, emotional, and developmental areas. JLKD partners with school districts and other community organizations to bring a curriculum designed to build self respect and promote healthy decision making in girls.

·        Frosty’s Closet – a project designed to equip our community’s needy children with appropriate cold-weather gear for harsh Midwestern winters. Parents are able to bring their children to Frosty’s Closet and leave with coats, gloves, hats, boots and more – all free of charge.

·        Kids in the Kitchen – a League-wide program that addresses the growing issues of childhood obesity and poor nutrition.  JLKD supports this initiative by empowering today’s youth to make choices that lead to healthy lifestyles through informational materials, lessons, and demonstrations related to preparation of healthy meals and snacks that are both tasty and affordable.

·        Story Wizards – a project that encourages a love of reading and promotes literacy for children at risk in the community.  JLKD’s trained volunteers involve children in read-alouds and literacy activities, providing positive influences that the children need to succeed and become future readers.

JLKD meets the second Tuesday evening of each month between September and May.  Anyone interested in learning more about the organization and its service projects is encouraged to attend one of the following New Member Socials:

·         Tuesday, April 21st – 7-9 p.m. in Aurora

·         Sunday, May 3rd – 1-3 p.m. in Naperville

·         Wednesday, June 24th – 7-9 p.m. in Elburn

·         Thursday, July 16th – 7-9 p.m. in Naperville

·         Sunday, August 23rd – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Geneva

·         Tuesday, September 15th – 7-9 p.m. in Aurora

            To register to attend one of the upcoming socials, please call 630/653-5989 or email join@jlkd.org.  For more information about JLKD, visit www.jlkd.org.  The Junior League of Kane & DuPage Counties, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization