Even through COVID-19, the Junior League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV) has not stopped being an organization of women dedicated to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action of trained volunteers. Annually, the JLRV invests about $70,000 to better our local communities through training, grants, scholarships, and volunteers, and is committed to the focus of addressing poverty by connecting the community to existing resources and removing barriers to healthcare and food. Due to the pandemic, this focus is more important than ever as our neighbors deal with job loss, economic impacts and school closures.

The Junior League of Roanoke Valley is highlighting the issue of poverty during this year’s Roanoke Valley Gives. This year’s event takes place on March 10.

Half of the money JLRV raises during Roanoke Valley Gives will go towards buying diapers to donate to a local organization and the other half will go to JLRV’s mission of building a better community. 

The following is from the National Diaper Bank Network.:

• 1 in 3 US families reports experiencing diaper need.
• 5 million children in the U.S. aged three or younger live in poor or low-income families.
• Infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.
• Disposable diapers can cost $70 to $80 per month per baby.
• No state or federal child safety-net program allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers.
• Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large “big box” store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
• Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers.

Some ways the JLRV has given back during the 2020-2021 League year through grants, donations, and volunteering include: 

• Donations to Feeding Southwest Virginia and Bradley Free Clinic to help with COVID-19 relief efforts.
• $670 to Humble Hustle to buy coats for Roanoke City children at Garden City Elementary.
• JLRV raised $4,187 during the Family SERVICE VIP Dinner event benefiting Family Service of Roanoke Valley. 
• Members donated about 815 items to the RAM House including canned goods, toiletries, and clothing.
• The JLRV organized and partnered with Carilion Children’s for the first ever toy drive, collecting 3,000+ items and $1,850 in monetary donations. Members also created 200 craft kits so children in the hospital would have activities.
• $4,000 given to two graduating high school seniors for college scholarships.
• Six Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainings for members.
• The JLRV Blood Drive with American Red Cross is scheduled for March 27.
• Three new COVID-19 safe Stocked Market fundraisers.
• Members volunteered for the 5th year to sponsor and wrap presents for Roanoke County children in foster care.

Please be sure to click here on March 10 to support the JLRV and our community!