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   Leia O’Fallon, assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s Division of Nursing, serves the community while working with the Monticello Junior Auxiliary.

   O’Fallon joined the organization three years ago and serves as assistant secretary/treasurer. During this time, O’Fallon and other members worked with youth at the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home assisting them in making Christmas crafts.

   Members helped older students in the local schools by distributing gift certificates for hair and hygiene supplies. In addition, they provided 80 students with backpacks containing school supplies and delivered Popsicles to Monticello and Drew Central students for their field trips. The Auxiliary offers children swimming lessons for two weeks every summer at a cost of $10 per child.

   “During Rough and Ready Days, we provide free games and prizes for all the young children, which is great because some of them can’t afford to purchase tickets for the rides,” O’Fallon said.

   She said the organization’s 34 members provide food, clothing and toys annually for over 100 needy families during the holiday season.

   Wendy Tassin serves as chairperson for the Monticello Junior Auxiliary Christmas Box Project. Tassin said she applied to Hasbro Toys for a grant and the company awarded the organization 100 new toys.

   “We found most of our donations each year were going towards food and clothing with little money left to purchase toys,” Tassin said. “We decided to target an age-group of kids that still had the innocent belief in Santa, up to fourth grade, with the donated toys.” 

   In addition, a community toy drive conducted by Ryburn Motor Company in Monticello will help contribute to the charitable efforts of the members. Area residents can deliver toys to the car dealer and all items collected will go directly to the Christmas Box Project.

   Teachers in area schools submit referrals for the boxes, as they remain in close contact with the children throughout the school year and become more familiar with their needs. Most of the children need coats, blankets and other everyday essentials.

   Jo Anne Smith, executive director of the Southeast Arkansas Cornerstone Coalition, joined Monticello Junior Auxiliary over one year ago and serves as Grant Programs chair. Smith worked with Tassin obtaining the recent Hasbro grant.

   “It’s amazing how much the Monticello Junior Auxiliary does to help the children in Drew County,” Smith said. “The proceeds from all of our events stay right here at home.”

   The organization encourages others in the community to adopt-a-child for Christmas. Any individual or family can choose a child’s name and provide him/her with necessary food and clothing items or toys.

   The group also sponsors the Monticello Junior Auxiliary “Annual Christmas Tour of Homes.” Proceeds from this event assist the underprivileged in the area, who have school-aged children, with various expenses such as food, clothing and utility bills.

   The tour begins on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 4- 8 p.m., and tickets may be purchased from any member at a cost of $10.

   For further information regarding the tour of homes or any other Monticello Junior Auxiliary function call Leia O’Fallon at 814-7482 or Wendy Tassin at 367-5325.

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