The Junior League of Grayson County is an organization whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. They serve Grayson County by promoting volunteerism, and community service, and developing leaders for voluntary community participation. Their primary focus is providing for children who would otherwise go without food, clothing and other basic needs. You will find the Junior League of Grayson County partnering with other local organizations to meet the needs of the children of Grayson County.
Heather Shilling, current president of the Junior League of Grayson County, has been a member for six years and finds the work she does with the organization very meaningful. “Blessing children in need in our community is what we are here to do.”
In addition to Shilling, you will find many others that serve at the Bargain Box, their retail store in downtown Denison. At 86 years old, Carol Jennings has been serving since 1976. Also a past president of the organization, Jennings says “This is one way I can help serve our community. It is a wonderful organization and I am so happy to be a part of it.” Ellie Melson, also serving since 1976, is no stranger to volunteering. She says "Helping the homeless and the children is one of the most important things we can do." New member Tammy Johnson, a longtime community leader, is also thrilled to have an opportunity to volunteer in this organization. “Serving has always been in my heart. I feel like I want to make a difference and I love that we get to bless others.” Carolyn Stanphill remembers her mother serving the organization when it was the Denison Service League. She claims “I get a good feeling knowing I am helping people. It is a great feeling when someone comes in and knows you.”
Several programs are available and provide a much needed service for our children and residents. The Prom Dress store provides multiple high schools the opportunity to shop for prom dresses at no cost. This program is in its fifth year and in 2024 provided 217 dresses and accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and evening bags. Happy Feet is a new program that was established at the beginning of this school year. This program has already provided over 120 pairs of name-brand shoes to DISD students who would not otherwise have adequate shoes.
The Junior League of Grayson County also partners with DISD DenTeens to provide a Christmas store for high school students. The League purchases and provides all of the items for the store and this can include a Christmas dinner for their families, gift cards, toiletries, shopping options for children to select gifts for family members and themselves. This year one hundred and fifty students from Denison High School will be eligible to access the Christmas Store.
Shilling wants to encourage Grayson County residents to consider volunteering or donating items and funds to help continue their mission. She states "It helps us to continue our passion of helping the needs of our children in Grayson County." The Junior League of Grayson County views every contribution they receive as much more than money. Donations of money and time help them to continue to empower local women and create a positive, lasting societal change in North Texas.
GraysonCounty.JL.org
Blessing children in need in our community is what we are here to do.