Junior Auxiliary plans annual Christmas 4 Angels project

By Ella McGregor

The Junior Auxiliary of Clinton has recently begun preparation for the Christmas Angels project that benefits children within the community. The organization partners with the Clinton Community Christian Corporation, known to the community as the 4Cs, to identify those who are in need and currently facing challenges that may require assistance in making Christmas memories for their children.

Adrain Robinson, the project chair, expressed immense gratitude for the success of the program.

“We were successful last year to bless and serve over one hundred seventy children,” Robinson said. “This year, we are wanting to bless up to two hundred children.”

The JA Christmas Angels, formerly known as the Angel Tree, began in 1987 as a shared effort between the Junior Auxiliary of Clinton and Deposit Guaranty National Bank. In the first year, angel “wishes” were hung on a single tree at one bank, and customers selected an angel, shopped for that child, and JA members later delivered the gifts. That year, thirty-six children received gifts as a result of the project.

The program has grown tremendously over the years. Robinson weighed in about the growth of the program, adding that it has flourished from its start. 4Cs director Dr. Laurie Lawson and the 4Cs organization work hand in hand with JA on the project. Many local businesses partner to be a blessing to families in need, as well.

This year, JA has partnered with several churches and businesses in the Clinton area who will host the angel “wishes” on either a Christmas tree or wreath in their facilities. The organization encourages local members of the community who are visiting the businesses to adopt an angel and spread the joy of Christmas.

“I really like the behind-the-scenes excitement about pulling everything together and ultimately seeing all the hard work that everyone is doing behind the scenes culminate in a celebration,” Robinson said of her favorite part about the program. “Giving out presents and seeing the joy and appreciation on both the parents’ and kids’ faces is what it is all about,” she says. “That appreciation, that excitement, that satisfaction that you feel knowing that you have been a help to someone.”

Angels, which will be placed beginning the first week of November, will be available for pickup at the Baptist Healthplex, Planet Fitness, YMCA, All in One Nutrition, Coach’s Creamery, Holy Ghost Baptist Church, Northside Baptist Church, Pleasant Green Baptist Church, MeMe’s Bakery and Funtime Preschool.

Gifts should be returned to the location where the angel was chosen no later than Thursday, December 3, with the exception of bicycles, which may be taken directly to the 4Cs after Thanksgiving.

Robinson says she is very thankful for the community and its support.

“People just showed up last year; there wasn’t an angel left,” she says about last year’s success. “We had people asking for more angels, which is why we are reaching for the goal of two hundred angels this year.”

For more information, call or text 601-460-1588, or email JAChristmasAngels@gmail.com.

Angels can be selected at the following locations:

• Baptist Healthplex
• Planet Fitness
• YMCA
• All in One Nutrition
• Coach’s Creamery
• Holy Ghost Baptist Church
• Northside Baptist Church
• Pleasant Green Baptist Church
• MeMe’s Bakery
• Funtime Preschool

Gifts should be returned to the location where the angel was chosen no later than Thursday, December 3.