I am President of Joy To The Children

Dawn Grant - 07 May, 2013 2

EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT AS OF MAY 1, 2013

I AM PRESIDENT OF JOY TO THE CHILDREN

As one of the co-founders, I have been actively involved with Joy since its inception in 1995. Serving many different positions on the board of directors, I have watched Joy grow from birth, through infancy, and, now, as a teen in its 18th year. Being a part of Joy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, even through its many awkward growth spurts. I look forward to working with our current board, which includes: Vice President (and my amazing sister!) Stephanie Mooney, Secretary Joanne Wright, Treasurer Susan Childers, Volunteer Coordinator Dan Morris, Jan McCray, Bill Mooney, Sandy Balzer, and Hope Harbin. All of which bring incredible wisdom and creativity to our ever evolving endeavor. We are about to have an incredible year and I am excited to share it with all of you!

Joy to the Children is a 501(c)(3) organization and has operated for the past 18 years with an all-volunteer board and workers. We reach out to financially challenged children to provide a Christmas Day party and gifts (clothing, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, books, bedding, and, of course, toys). On Christmas day each year, we provide a holiday feast, entertainment, and presents for Nassau County children and their families at Yulee High School. The food for our feast is donated by local restaurants and we have approximately 200 volunteers that shop, wrap presents, and set up the school prior to Christmas and serve the families on Christmas Day.

We serve only children and their families from Nassau County and our families are selected through 17 schools and service organizations. Agency lists are cross referenced to ensure that assistance is going to benefit as many families as possible. Last year we served 140 children from 46 different families.

In addition to the Christmas Day celebration, Joy to the Children also works with Florida State College at Jacksonville to provide scholarships for Nassau County graduating seniors. Each year we award two scholarships in the amount of $1500 each. We target students who not only show promising scholastic ability, but who also demonstrate a drive and determination to overcome challenging life circumstances Provided the recipients show satisfactory academic progress, they receive the same amount for the second year.

Please consider joining our efforts. If you would be willing to contribute financially or would be interested in volunteering your time, please let us know. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to working with you in the future.

Please Consider Volunteering your Time or Funds