April Hoyt is chapter president of Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport — a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational and social needs of children in our community. Through hands-on projects, financial assistance and community partnerships, the organization works to make a lasting, positive impact.
Q: Share a bit about JA Gulfport’s background.
A: Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport was chartered in 1950 with 37 active members, two provisional members and one life/associate member who together completed 3,357 service hours in their first year. The chapter was formed to bring organized, compassionate, and purposeful service to local children, guided by the principles of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries.
JA Gulfport has grown into a strong, multigenerational chapter with 57 active members, 23 provisional members and 353 life/associate members. Our impact has expanded tremendously. Since May, when our service year begins, we have served 47,254 children through 3,882 active service hours. JA Gulfport continues to adapt to the community’s needs while remaining committed to its founding mission of serving and supporting children and families in Gulfport, Long Beach and Pass Christian.
Q: Who are your typical members?
A: Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport is a large, multigenerational chapter comprised of women committed to serving children and families. Our typical members are women who share a genuine desire to serve, lead and make a meaningful impact through hands-on volunteer work.
Our chapter welcomes members from diverse backgrounds, professions and ages, creating a strong, well-rounded organization rooted in compassion, community and purpose.
Q: What’s new and exciting with JA Gulfport?
A: One of our biggest accomplishments was hosting our inaugural Back to School Bonanza, where we served 362 children by providing free food, school supplies, clothing and haircuts to help them feel confident and prepared for the new school year.
OTHER INITIATIVES INCLUDE:
- We launched our first Crown Club class, a leadership and mentoring program for 10th-, 11th– and 12th-grade girls schools in our service area. They recently hosted a Halloween station in partnership with Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, and they are planning a spring 5K and upcoming service projects with local food pantries. These activities are helping the girls build relationships, develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact.
- Our Common Ground project recently completed a beautification effort at the Harrison County Youth Court by painting the outdoor fence — helping to create a more welcoming environment. They also started an Aqua Tots program with the Aquarium, which allows children to learn more about animals through stories, arts and crafts and exploration.
- A new Prom Closet will launch this spring, offering gently used or new formal wear, jewelry and shoes for youth preparing for prom. We are now accepting donations.
- Our ongoing Backpack Blessings program provides food for students at two local elementary schools to ensure they are supported over weekends and holiday breaks.
- Our Healthy Living Project continues its work of collecting and distributing hundreds of hygiene kits to elementary, middle and high schools across the community. In addition, this project is expanding its reach by establishing Sunscreen Stations in all seven wards of Harrison County, an effort designed to promote skin safety. They also are planning a Trike-a-Thon in the spring for all ages and abilities.
- Recently, we hosted our annual charity ball, a record-breaking fundraising event that allows us to continue fulfilling vital service needs within the community.
Q: How else is JA Gulfport having a positive impact?
A: We are meeting immediate needs, supporting students and building meaningful connections within our schools. We are proud to have been recognized as an official Partner in Education with the Gulfport School District due to the strength of our core initiatives.
Project NOW provides urgent assistance to families within 24 hours, delivering essentials like clothing, hygiene items and school supplies; it is available to all the schools in our service area.
Our Pen Pal Project at 28th Street Elementary creates ongoing encouragement for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders through positive letters, and our members attend school events to show continued support. Many of these girls later take part in our Ladies Who Lunch program at Central Middle School, where members serve lunch and offer mentorship during those critical middle school years.
Q: What are JA Gulfport’s goals going forward?
A: Our goals are to do more and help more. This year, I challenged our chapter with the theme “Rooted in Purpose, Growing in Service,” which really captures where we’re headed. We don’t want to just meet the minimum standard; we want to go beyond. We want to say “yes” when families need us, expand the projects that are making a difference and look for new ways to reach children who may not have anyone else in their corner.
Q: What else should our audience know about JA Gulfport?
A: If you want to make a difference, find your people and fill your cup in the best possible way, JA is such a special place to do it. Applications open in March, so be on the lookout. We would love to welcome new women who want to jump in, link arms with us and help make our community an even brighter place for our children.