About
We Believe in the
Power of Community
The Junior Charity League of Shelby, Inc. was established in 1934 as a non-profit organization with its primary purpose to raise monies for such necessities as clothing, fuel, food, medications, or any other needs that arise.
The League also carries out other charitable services to benefit the children and citizens of Cleveland County and foster their educational interests.
Our History
We hope that if you take a few moments to read about our history that you find confidence in supporting our League, which has a very long tradition of helping families in our community over decades.
We’ve Been Helping Cleveland County Residents For 90 Years…
The Junior Charity League of Shelby, Inc. has been dedicated to the citizens of Cleveland County since 1934. Those early years found ladies diligently serving the community in various ways.
Members assisted the:
-Red Cross
-Sponsored a tuberculosis clinic
– Provided help to polio victims.
The World War II era found League members serving as correspondents, blood bank workers, and hostesses to soldiers away from home.
In recent years, the League has had two major service projects impacting the community.
Through our Clothing Room project, we provide a complete wardrobe of new, warm clothing for children in need. Since 1972, thousands of children have benefited from this service.
During the 2016-2017 school year, 784 children visited the Clothing Room, and not only received new clothes and coats but gained a renewed sense of self-worth.
Our other main community project is the “Kids on the Block” puppet show. This show has been presented to all Cleveland County third graders since 1985. Through puppets, the delicate subjects of child abuse, drug awareness, mental and physical disabilities, divorce, and bullying are explored. Every year, teachers and counselors report the positive influence that both these projects have had on the children of Cleveland County.
In addition to these community-wide service projects, the Junior Charity League manages The Cleveland County Fund for Children and Adults with Disabilities, which offers assistance to citizens of Cleveland County who may struggle with disabilities.
One example of how this fund helps is to provide orthopedic equipment to adults and children who may be financially challenged and unable to obtain these necessities. In years past, we have helped purchase items such as dentures, trained dogs that help children with diabetes, computers that dictate information for the blind, and wheelchair equipment.
The League has held Attic Sales, Holiday Designer Houses, Boxed Lunches, Follies, Tour of Homes, and many other innovative projects.
However, none of this would be possible without the ongoing community support of our fundraising efforts. The League would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who support us as we strive to serve those in our county who are most in need.
Meet The People Behind The Passion
Each board of directors member is a community volunteer passionate about the Junior Charity League of Shelby projects.