Junior Women's League of Smithfield's Big Night Out raises $8,000

Submitted by JUNIOR WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF SMITHFIELD

SMITHFIELD — The ladies of the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield hosted their annual Big Night Out Gala at The Farm at 95 benefiting ReEntry Family Services and JWL’s Johnston County Blessing Boxes.

The league presented a check for $5,000 to ReEntry Family Services and for $3,000 to Johnston County Blessing Boxes. ReEntry Family Services will now be able to expand their “Towards No Drugs” program and maintain children in the county on a path of success, deterring interaction with the court system and steadying a direction towards healthy decisions. Johnston County Blessing Boxes will use funds to stock inventory for the 10 Blessing Boxes throughout the county to supply free non-perishable goods to feed those in need.

“The Big Night Out committee executed another fabulous event where we exceeded expectations in raising money for our community. We really appreciate the support of local businesses and community members. None of this would be made possible without them,” said Dana Peterson, Big Night Out committee co-chair.

“There is no better way to raise money for the deserving organizations than filling the night with dancing, food and entertainment! We appreciate everyone’s continued support of JWL and our missions within the community,” added Heather Bryant, Junior Women’s League of Smithfield’s recording secretary and Big Night Out committee co-chair.

In 2019, 12.25% of the people living in Johnston County were food insecure. Currently, the projected overall food insecurity rate of Johnston County residents is 13.5%, in part as a result of COVID-19. For these families, children and elderly neighbors, experiencing food insecurity means not always having daily meals or not knowing where their next meal will come from.

That is why the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield remains steadfast in its fight to end hunger and positively impact the lives of Johnston County’s citizens through its Blessing Box program, small pantries located at fire departments throughout the county that are stocked with free food and personal care items for people in need.

ReEntry Family Services is a small nonprofit that began serving Johnston County families in 1998. They serve 60 families a week, providing a minimum of 90 minutes of service for programs such as the Family Pride parenting program, HALT domestic violence prevention program, and the Healthy Choices youth program.

ReEntry is adding to their list of programs with the “Toward No Drugs” program. TND is a substance abuse program for teens that focuses on character building and providing life skills, while lessening substance abuse, deterring interaction with the court system and helping them succeed in school. It is ReEntry’s hope that teaching our youth these life skills will help them become successful individuals in our community.

JWL is accepting applications from prospective new members through July 31. Partial member scholarships will be available at that time as well. For more information about joining the Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, visit www. jwlsmithfield.com.