Jaycee in the News - 2008

Wilmington Jaycee In the News:

2008

Wilmington Jaycees In Jeopardy
Posted: Jan 22, 2008 12:02 PM EST
Updated: Jan 28, 2008 11:24 AM EST

WILMINGTON -- The Wilmington Jaycees are on the brink of shutting down. Membership in the longstanding and prominent community organization is at an all time low.
If the Jaycees don't get at least four more members by the end of February, the 68-year-old organization will close for good.

Members say that would be a devastating loss to the Wilmington area, especially the children they help through events every year.

The current members met Monday night to spearhead a new campaign to recruit new members. Seven years ago there were about 140 members. Now there are 16. The group needs 20 by the end of next month or they lose their charter.

They say many members have gotten married, moved, or become more involved in family life, but without the organization, they say the family events in Wilmington will suffer.

The annual Jaycee Easter Egg Hunt is one of the most popular events they hold. More than 3,000 kids flood Hugh MacRae Park with baskets and bonnets searching for almost 4,000 candy-stuffed eggs on Easter Sunday.

Current members say they would hate to see the group's impact die in Wilmington.
"If we're not here then some of the impact goes away, and so other people will find other things to do. But for us, we like what we do and we try to help out the community, and it's that one child and that one elderly person that looks forward to seeing us come by and help," said Daryl McNair.

The Jaycees are also known for their annual Christmas Kids charity where they take 20 kids to Wal-Mart for a Christmas shopping spree.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Wilmington Jaycees, you can call (910) 367-1625.

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Thank you WECT for the coverage