Special to the Journal

Albany, Ga. –On Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 6:30 p.m., the Junior League of Albany, Georgia, Inc. (JLA) will hold a closet dedication ceremony at the Lily Pad, Inc. The Junior League Closet provides clothing, personal hygiene items, toys, and other resources for children and adults that have suffered from sexual assault and other forms of abuse.   All of the resources in the Junior League Closet are provided to victims free of charge.

Each year, JLA selects a local organization as a signature project and dedicates a majority of their volunteer hours and fundraising efforts to that organization.  Each signature project reflects JLA’s mission of serving women and children.The Lily Pad is JLA’s 2012-2013 signature project, and the Junior League Closet is just one of the many ways JLA will support the Lily Pad throughout the year.

The Junior League of Albany, Inc. was founded in 1964 and is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI). AJLI is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Junior Leagues reach out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest and commitment to volunteerism. In addition to their signature projects, The Junior League of Albany, Georgia, Inc. also provides volunteers and donates needed items to various organizations throughout the community.

The Lily Pad, Inc. provides care to sexual assault and child abuse victims and their families.  Lily Pad is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit that serves as the umbrella organization to four programs, including Firefly House Children’s Advocacy Center, the Boren Center for Sexual Assault, Dougherty CASA and Child Visitation.  Lily Pad serves 32 counties spread across six judicial circuits and 52 law enforcement agencies. Lily Padwelcomesdonations of new items such as scrubs, dresses, shirts, and underwear in women’s sizes (Med, Lg, and X-Lg). After the dedication, there will be a tour of the Lily Pad for guests.  The Lily Pad, Inc. is located at 320 West 2nd Ave in Albany, Georgia.