JWC Prepares for its "A Visit to Santa's House" event

At the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport, CT, The Junior Women's Club Girls’ Zone was full of activity, crafting merchandise for A Visit to Santa’s House, coming up December 13 and 14 at the Burr Homestead in Fairfield, CT. The JWC Girls’ Zone is an afterschool program for girls ages 11 – 18 within the Cardinal Shehan Center.

Together with Junior Women’s Club members, the group produced pet-themed treat jars filled with biscuits to sell at A Visit to Santa’s House, the same fundraiser whose proceeds fuel The JWC Girls’ Zone. This reciprocal holiday spirit continued as they filled bags with “Reindeer Food,” an annual giveaway to guests who visit Santa’s House. “What an amazing experience to involve the girls in the event that supports their own program!” notes Lorraine Gibbons, Cardinal Shehan Center’s Director of Development.

The Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield, a local service organization, chose The Girls’ Zone as their charitable partner in 2013, and enjoyed their relationship so much, they renewed the alliance for 2014. “Every year, The Junior Women’s Club seeks out opportunities for hands-on, interactive service projects, and the Girls’ Zone was a perfect fit,” explains Lillie Ennis, Chair of JWC’s CARE Committee.

The two groups have teamed up to cook a healthy dinner, discussed good grooming habits, participated in a reading challenge, and prepared the 2013 craft materials for A Visit to Santa’s House. The JWC members enjoy the one-on-one mentoring experience with the girls, and their enthusiasm is contagious. The girls look forward to their visits with the Junior Women’s Club volunteers, who often include their own families in the projects. Everyone has benefitted from this wonderful partnership,” adds Ms. Gibbons. “These are memories that will last a lifetime!”.

Open to women in Fairfield and surrounding towns, the JWC is a non-profit service organization that gives members the chance to make new friends while giving back to the greater community through social and personal enrichment programs for women and fundraisers such as “Touch-A-Truck” and “A Visit to Santa’s House.”

To learn more about the club, please visit www.jwcfairfield.com.