Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

DGJWC

Teacher grants. High School Senior Scholarships. Junior High Art Awards. Safety Town. These are just a few examples of how the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) gives back to the community every year. The organization – comprised of women in Downers Grove and surrounding areas – embodies the volunteer spirit.

Established in 1959, DGJWC currently has over 150 members and continues to grow every year, increasing its footprint of giving. “We value the amazing women who contribute to our Club with their time and service,” said Allison McNulty, DGJWC President.

“Our doors are always open to women looking to make a difference in our community and give back to our wonderful town through volunteer and fundraising efforts.”

DGJWC members donate hundreds of volunteer hours to dozens of local charities throughout the year, and fundraising plays a fundamental role in helping those not as fortunate in the community.

Last year, the Club made the largest single donation in its history on Giving Tuesday in November. DGJWC presented three local charities with grant funding totaling $35,000, including The Kids Equipment Network, NAMI DuPage, and Family Shelter Service Metropolitan Family Services DuPage.

As the selected Charity Partner in 2023, DuPage Habitat for Humanity received $20,000 in funding to support their vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

What does the future hold for DGJWC as the 2023 year kicks off? “We are moving full steam ahead with service and fundraising opportunities for our members and are honored and humbled to support so many groups that do incredible work to make our community a better place,” said McNulty.

DGJWC’s annual spring fundraiser will be held on March 2, 2024, and is open to the public, with more details released shortly. DGJWC meets monthly and is open to all prospective members. Please visit dgjwc.org for more information regarding membership or business sponsorships.

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Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
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Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

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“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

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