2020 Community Impact Award – 1
Junior League of Charlotte
Backpacks, new shoes and pencils aren’t the only things to consider as students return to school. North Carolina law mandates that children be current on immunizations and all kindergartners have proof of a physical exam or health assessment within 30 days of starting school in order to enroll and stay in school.
Since 1996, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has partnered with the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System to host Big Shots Saturdays throughout the month of September in order for students to meet the health deadlines set by the state.
For 23 years, the JLC has been the only nonprofit in Charlotte leading efforts to provide children with free immunizations and health screenings so they can enroll and stay in school. Additionally, the JLC provides free vision, hearing, and dental screenings at these events.
To date, Big Shots Saturdays has provided services to over 25,000 children. This community project has not only impacted the lives of thousands of children and families but also allowed the JLC to collaborate with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. The JLC has lofty goals for continued program expansion. Future plans include working with our two healthcare systems to offer additional Big Shots Saturdays throughout the city.