Local Jaycees look back on their first year as a Chapter
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
As the Jaycees say, ‘service to humanity is the best work of life’
By Dellaray Hileman
Submitted Photo
Local Jaycees presenting St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry with Donations from their Region V Food Drive, from left to right: Robin Hillen SVDP, Sarah Brooks Vice President, Dellaray Hileman President.
Jaycee members, past and present, often do not know where to start when talking about how the Jaycees have benefited their lives. The goal of the Jersey–Calhoun Jaycees is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
The Jersey–Calhoun chapter was founded in March of 2021, and they have already started making positive change in the community. In their first year, the chapter was able to plan and organize three events/projects.
Their impact in the community started when they learned that there was a new St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry coming to Hardin. The Jaycees knew that they could help the food pantry with a food drive that spanned across Illinois. The local members collected canned goods from other Jaycee Chapters to bring back to Calhoun County.
They are ending the year strong with their Calhoun Christmas Tree Contest. Local Businesses have decorated Christmas trees and have been selling votes to try and raise money for a local organization of their choice. Eleven businesses have participated, and ten local organizations have been represented. On Jan. 1, the Jaycees will announce which organization had the most votes. Half of the funds raised will be awarded to the organization who got the most votes, the other half of the funds raised will be given to a 50/50 winner who voted for the winning tree.
The Chapter has a few projects planned for 2022 with anticipation to plan more as community needs arise. The first project of 2022 will be a Hog Raffle with the proceeds Benefiting the Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance. The Hog is being provided by Fritz Pork of Jerseyville and the processing is being provided by Behrmann’s.
Tickets for the Hog Raffle will be sold at multiple locations throughout Jersey and Calhoun County starting in January of 2022.
The Chapter’s Success relies solely on having members who want to be involved and help give back to the community. If you are an active citizen, between the ages of 18 and 40, consider joining the Jersey–Calhoun Jaycees to make an impact.
