Relying on referrals from educational, medical and social service workers, the Junior Welfare League is able to provide assistance to Huntington residents who are in need while enabling them to maintain their anonymity.

Each year, members host several large fundraising events, including their annual Wine Soiree which takes place at Coindre Hall on June 11 this year.

In addition to the Lift Fund, which provides one-time emergency financial aid to individuals and families to help in an unexpected crisis, the JWL also pays camp expenses for Huntington youth who are dealing with difficult domestic environments and who would not otherwise be able to attend. Their Backpacks for Success program provides backpacks filled with donated school supplies to children whose families are not able to purchase everything needed to start the school year off right.

Last year more than 192 backpacks were distributed to children in the Huntington school district.

Because of the work of their volunteers and the support of businesses within the Huntington community, JWL is an organization that any resident who falls on hard times can turn to as they work to get themselves back on their feet. Visit their website for more information or to find out how you can help.

The Junior Welfare League  hosted a fundraiser at Appliance World last Thursday night, with a Ladies Night Out that offered guests the opportunity to enjoy services donated by Balance Chiropractic and Wellness Center, and a facial and fresh makeup application by La Piele Spa as they learned about the non-profit organization and their 78-year history in Huntington.

Although the event did raise some money for the league - collected from about 40 women who attended and through the sale of raffle tickets for donated prizes - the main focus of last week’s gathering was to raise awareness and possibly to recruit new members to help with the larger events that are planned for later this year.

Guests dined on food donated by Appliance World and Good to Go Deli, as Junior Welfare League President Trish Rongo explained that the organization, comprised solely of volunteers, has no administrative costs, which allows 100% of donations to go directly back into the Huntington community.