The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) - a service organization that aims to advance women's leadership and impact the community through volunteer action - has been giving back in Boca for over 50 years, 13 of which have benefited Boca Helping Hands.
In 2009, then-BHH Executive Director Linda Gove was encouraged to join the League by several JLBR Sustainers, who also advised her to submit BHH as a Junior League project. Once approved as a designated project in 2010, members were able to complete their required service hours by volunteering at BHH.
Since then, JLBR members and Sustainers have been some of our longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers, assisting with events, helping us to fundraise, and rolling up their sleeves in our Food Center and Warehouse. However, they have had the largest impact on the BHH Backpacks program, which they have supported through regular volunteer shifts since the program began in 2011.
“Junior League members generally pack about 400 boxes a week, which is 2,400 meals for kids in Boca, Delray, and Boynton,” said Bill Harper, BHH Senior Director of Operations. Over the years, they have helped to pack more than 1.6 million weekend meals for food-insecure schoolchildren.
With their commitment to community service, it's not a surprise that Boca Helping Hands has counted JLBR members amongst its board of directors and staff as well, including former Board Member Peggy Jones (who revamped and elevated the BHH Job Mentoring and Training Programs) and our last three volunteer coordinators.
We are thankful for the support we have received from the women of the Junior League, and we look forward to continuing to work together in service of our mission.
