LUCEDALE — In a rural corner of Mississippi, where more than 5,000 residents struggle with food insecurity and nearly three-quarters of public-school students live in poverty, a small group of women is stepping up to fill the gap — one Easter basket, book and life skill lesson at a time.
The Junior Auxiliary of George County, chartered in 2023, is one of the newest chapters in the regional network of women-led service organizations. With just 15 active members — all volunteers — the group has become a vital presence in the county, where many families face access barriers to food, education and basic necessities.
“We want to serve the children, the community, the citizens in any way that we can,” said Gena Fortenberry, chapter president and Benndale Elementary School teacher.
Meeting urgent needs with limited means
George County, with a population of nearly 26,400, has a poverty rate of about 19%, according to World Population Review. The George County School District serves more than 4,100 students and U.S. News & World Report says 73% of those students are economically disadvantaged. Less than half of elementary and middle school students scored proficient or above in reading and math.
Food insecurity is another widespread issue. Feeding America reports that more than 5,220 George County residents — 21% of the population — are food insecure, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
The average cost of a meal is $3.36, and the annual food budget shortfall for the county is estimated at more than $3.3 million.
For members of the Junior Auxiliary, the statistics are alarming — but seeing the faces of those in need firsthand is what motivated them to start the chapter.
With limited resources, they often fund projects themselves — stretching budgets, dipping into personal savings, and asking family and friends for support.
“I saved, bought here and there, and painted the gallon cans from the cafeteria as (Easter) baskets for all of them,” said Carmen Johnson, a local teacher and the group’s public relations chair. “My husband, mom and some family friends are always eager to lend financially when things arise.”
Showing up where it matters most
Much of the group’s work centers around neighborhoods like Pecan Chateau, a federal Section 8 housing complex in Lucedale where more than 100 children live with limited access to books, safe outdoor spaces, and consistent meals.
“Those children don’t have access to doing a lot of things that maybe other children might,” said founding member Carol Howell.
One of those residents is Annie Williams, who is helping raise her three grandchildren after losing her home in a fire. Living with her daughter at the Lucedale complex, she said she has witnessed the group’s impact personally.
“Doing things for the kids, you know? That’s a good thing,” Williams said. “We don’t have a lot of people in the community that would do things like that.”
Her grandchildren have participated in holiday events and benefited from programs like Lead, Read and Succeed, a year-round literacy initiative run by the group in low-income neighborhoods.
“It’s very important to the mothers, the families,” Williams said. “It’s good for parents, (the) less fortunate and a lot of kids.”
Literacy, clothing and life skills
The Junior Auxiliary’s signature programs, like the literacy initiative, address core needs in the community. Threads of Love gathers and distributes clothing to local families. The Chateau Kids Connection brings food, activities and positive role models directly into underserved neighborhoods.
Howell said she’s passionate about reading initiatives because of the foundational impact literacy can have.
“Reading is essential to success. Students must know how to read in order to excel in life,” she said.
Another program — Build Up Boot Camp — focuses on life skills. Teenagers learn practical skills like changing tires, making basic home repairs and handling everyday tasks that often aren’t taught. The program, developed in partnership with local trade workers, recently earned recognition from the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries.
The group said its commitment doesn’t stop with children. Members also visit local nursing homes to bring companionship and conversation to seniors who may not have regular visitors.
Stretching every dollar
In the beginning, most projects were funded out-of-pocket, but as word spread, community support began to grow. In 2024, the group hosted its largest fundraiser to date — the Freezer Pleaser raffle, featuring prizes donated by local businesses. The event brought in nearly $12,000 toward a $15,000 goal.
“We’re nonprofit, so if we don’t have it, we provide it ourselves sometimes,” Johnson said. “It’s helped that the community has kind of gotten on board with us too.”
The group said that while one large fundraiser helps, their needs have also grown. In the past, they hosted multiple small events throughout the year. Now, one big event covers many of the upcoming projects, but it doesn’t go far enough to fully meet demand.
A growing mission
The Junior Auxiliary is focused on growing its visibility and outreach. Members hope to welcome new members this summer. Recruitment opens each year on July 1, with an interest meeting planned this year for July 24. For more information, prospective members can email Membership.jao[email protected]
Members are required to be women over the age of 21. Everyone starts as a provisional volunteer, learning the ropes for six months before gaining full status.
“It’s a commitment that you’re making,” Fortenberry said. “But it’s worth it.”
Balancing full-time jobs, parenting and volunteer work is difficult, members said, but the group is determined to keep going.
“The more love you spread, the more that you’ll get back,” Johnson said. “And in times like now, I think that’s incredibly important — not just in our community, but everywhere.”
With more members and sustained funding, they hope to reach more children, offer more support and show up for families where help is needed most.