The Elkin Jaycees pose for a photo at their 2012 Christmas party at the Fairfield Inn in Elkin.

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Editor’s note: This story is part of a series The Tribune is writing about local clubs.

The Elkin chapter of the Jaycees has been serving the community since 1942. Originally named the Junior Chamber of Commerce, then shortened to Junior Chamber, the organization is made of up citizens under the age of 40 who are looking for leadership opportunities and to help the public with outreach programs.

Levi Shore is currently the president of the Elkin Jaycees. He said the group meets on the third Monday of every month. The Jaycees is open to anyone between the age of 21 to 39 and offers networking for young professionals in the work place.

The Elkin Jaycees operate many different service projects throughout the calendar year. One of the most popular and extensive activities is the Fourth of July celebration at the Elkin Municipal Park each year. Jaycees help organize and coordinate the event, from hiring the fireworks provider to arranging the booths and other attractions.

Shore said the group also hosts gospel singing and monthly socials. The socials are impromptu gatherings with members dropping in at 21 and Main for the evening or renting out the Slightly Askew Winery building on North Bridge Street.

The group holds two major annual fundraisers. One goes to benefit the NC Jaycees Burn Center at Chapel Hill. The other is in support of the Duke Outpatient Cancer Center. Both of these are championed by the North Carolina Jaycees organization as well, Shore said.

Shore said Elkin had won awards for both fundraising events in 2012, placing in the top three Jaycee chapters statewide for fundraising.

Jaycees spend much of their effort at Christmastime with programs like Angel Tree and Give A Kid A Coat. Angel Tree is hosted by local businesses who put together a Christmas Tree with ornaments containing the info of a child in need. The ornaments do not list names, but give an age range and the gender of the child so supporters can buy an appropriate gift. Give A Kid A Coat seeks to help children and adults suffering in the winter from poverty and the lack of warm clothes.

Elkin Jaycees provide a scholarship each year to one Elkin High School senior who is going into the health profession. The grant is through the Jaycees, but students interested should check with their guidance counselor for more details and to apply Shore said. The deadline for 2013 is May 3.

Shore said new members were welcome and encouraged to join the monthly meetings.The group has guest lecturers each month, all who have involvement in a local project. Their meetings are held at the Jaycee Building on Poplar Springs Rd. in State Road, with the next meeting held at 6:30 p.m. on Mar. 18.

For more info contact the Elkin Jaycees at their email address, elkinjaycees@gmail.com.

To contact Taylor Pardue call 336-835-1513 ext. 15 or email him at tpardue@civitasmedia.com.