By Valerie Macon
For nearly a century, the women of Fuquay-Varina have built a legacy of service and community spirit. Among them, the Junior Woman’s Club stands as an active force for good. I had the privilege of speaking with Brittany May and Kim Hatch, co-presidents of the local Fuquay-Varina chapter, to delve into their history and ongoing mission.
Originally a small offshoot within the larger Woman’s Club, the Juniors started with just eight dedicated members in the 1970s. Their numbers grew, eventually leading them to secure their General Federation of Women’s Clubs NC charter in 1987, a milestone championed by three founding members — among them, Marilyn Gardner, now Fuquay-Varina Town Commissioner. Their first official project? A “beautiful baby” contest that set the stage for decades of community engagement.
Today, the Junior Woman’s Club has 52 members, ages 18 to 45, each contributing to the betterment of their community through volunteer service and fundraising efforts. The Club operates independently, but also collaborates with other nonprofits, which strengthens their impact on the community. They tackle everything from meeting immediate needs to fostering the next generation of community leaders. The Junior Woman’s Club focuses on six primary areas aligned with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC): Education and Libraries, Health and Wellness, Environment, Civic Engagement and Outreach, Arts and Culture, and Domestic Violence and Advocates for Children.
While the Junior Woman’s Club is engaged in numerous service initiatives in these areas, below is a brief overview of just a few of its many contributions to our community.
Education and Libraries
Much of Club member focus is on education, supporting area schools and libraries. Through their connections within the Wake County School System, they are able to identify classroom needs. When they learn that a classroom lacks resources, they step in to fulfill those needs. Their contributions range from essential supplies, such as reams of paper, to more substantial investments like smart boards for classrooms, LEGO sets for STEM education, and teacher appreciation events, including PTA recognition and appreciation lunches. They also award scholarships to college-bound students and provide grants specifically for first-year teachers. Each year, the number of first-year-teacher grant applicants continues to rise. This year alone, more than 30 applied, and the Club was able to support 10 teachers with classroom essentials.
Through their “Sunshine Project,” the Club provides boxes of food and snacks to 17 local schools on a monthly basis. These supplies ensure that students who forget their lunch or snack have access to something to eat, offering a reliable source of nourishment right in the school office.
Libraries are more than just places for books — they’re hubs for community engagement. That’s why the group actively partners with the local library, hosting events like Library Card Sign-Up Month complete with raffles and fun activities for kids.
Health & Wellness
These initiatives focus on food security, youth empowerment, community safety, and support for vulnerable populations. As part of this, the Club maintains a “Baby Blessings Box” located at 602 North Ennis Street in Fuquay-Varina. They stock the box with baby items like diapers, wipes, formula and clothing. The community is invited to “take what you need and give what you can.”
They also support the local fire and police departments by donating funds that enable them to purchase resources like car seats for families in need.
Environment
The Junior Woman’s Club’s work extends to environmental activities that make a big impact without requiring a hefty budget. One such project, “Clean the Quay Day,” focuses on litter pick-ups around town, bringing members together to make our streets and parks cleaner.
Currently, the Club is also tackling plastic waste by gathering plastic grocery bags and similar materials with the goal of collecting one thousand pounds. Collection efforts happen at Kim’s house, where members weigh the donations before delivering them to local grocery store recycling bins. Their project partner, NexTrex, facilitates the recycling process to ensure the collected plastic is repurposed effectively. Anyone interested in donating plastic can reach out via the Club’s contact form online or message them on Facebook to arrange a pick-up.
Civic Engagement and Outreach
In collaboration with the Red Cross, the Junior Woman’s Club organizes six blood drives annually. These events not only help save lives but also support community initiatives. For every unit of blood donated, the Red Cross provides funding that the Club invests in programs like the “Sunshine Project,” ensuring continued support for local schools and other essential efforts.
The Club also supports Military Missions in Action (MMIA).
Arts and Culture
The Club enriches our community by supporting local art classrooms, giving students opportunities to explore and create. Their commitment extends to the performing arts with contributions to the NC Symphony, DPAC, and Duke Performing Arts Center. They also support cultural events at the NC Museum of Art.
Domestic Violence and Advocates for Children
These efforts focus on food insecurity, promoting education and literacy, empowering youth, and supporting children with disabilities.
In a project run by the Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church, the Club actively assists “Expand,” a program that not only provides food to families in need but also offers tutoring services.
Club member dedication to youth extends beyond food and snacks. The Junior Woman’s Club actively mentors the Fuquay-Varina High School’s Juniorette Club, the teen division of the Woman’s Club for young women 12-18, empowering these young people to become active and engaged citizens. Junior members act as advisors and partner with the teens on their community projects, which range from supporting their cafeteria, janitorial and bus driver staff to supporting MMIA. The Junior Woman’s Club even offers scholarships to further support these young philanthropists.
The Junior Woman’s Club regularly partners with local organizations such as Interact. On a monthly basis, they assist “Pass It On” with the task of sorting donated clothing.
This year, the Junior Woman’s Club contributed to “The Hope Closet,” an organization providing low-income families with essential household items. Speaking with residents, Club members noticed gaps beyond food — households lacking essentials like paper towels, cleaning supplies, beds, and bedding. Their mission is to fulfill those needs and provide a sense of stability and comfort.
The Club’s numerous ongoing projects are funded by donations and fundraisers. Their biggest fundraising event of the year is the annual Charity Ball, traditionally held the Friday before Thanksgiving. This event is often seen as the official kickoff to the holiday season for many in Fuquay-Varina. The Charity Ball generates funds through sponsorships and auctions, including popular basket auctions and opportunities to bid on experiences.
This year, the 35th Annual Charity Ball “Enchanted Masquerade” promises an evening of mystery and philanthropy, with music, dance, and delightful conversation. It will be held on Friday, November 21, at the Pavilion at Carriage Farms. Tickets for this event can be purchased at fuquayjuniors.org.
Another fun and festive tradition that brings people together and helps support the Club’s great causes is the annual Gingerbread House Contest fundraiser, which kicks off right after Thanksgiving and runs until mid-December. The decorated houses are put on display at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center for the community to enjoy. The contest features several categories including Family, Children, Adult, and Team entries. Community members can visit the display, admire the creativity, and vote for their favorite houses by making a donation. Winners receive gift cards, and all funds raised go towards supporting the Club’s activities.
More than just a social club, the Junior Woman’s Club of Fuquay-Varina is an engine for positive change in our community. What sets them apart is that their dedication extends beyond pre-established projects. They are a group of enthusiastic individuals who see a need and then actively seek ways to address it. When a member has an interest in helping in a certain area, the Club can make it happen. In fact, their successful blood drive initiative stemmed from a single member’s desire to make a difference.
Brittany highlights the Club’s sense of community, saying, “I know that there are many women in our age range who are fresh to town, and they may not know a lot of people. If you come to one of our meetings, you will find that we are a very friendly bunch of ladies. Not only can you do good in the community, but you’ll feel fulfilled doing your life’s purpose, doing good for others, and finding lifelong friends. That is one of the best parts about being in the Junior Woman’s Club.”
To learn more about the Fuquay-Varina Junior Woman’s Club, how you can contribute, or how you can join, visit their website (fuquayjuniors.org), attend an event, or contact a member.
