By Melanie Lawson, Jack and Jill-Jacksonville Chapter Editor
JACKSONVILLE—The Jacksonville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. brought the spirit of the season to life with its Holiday Affair, a signature celebration that blended festive fun with purpose.
Held at Dave & Buster’s, the event welcomed families from across the city for a morning rooted in togetherness, joy and community service.
More than 130 total attendees filled the venue with laughter and holiday cheer, reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to strengthening family bonds and uplifting the Jacksonville community.
While the Holiday Affair is known for its celebration, it also reflects Jack and Jill’s broader mission: creating meaningful experiences for children while instilling the values of leadership, service and civic responsibility.
Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America has 271 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members. The organization of mothers aims to provide program activities promoting social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth ages 2 to 19. Mothers within the local chapter reside throughout Jacksonville, including in Clay County.
Giving back was a central focus of the event. Families donated toys to support the Giving Closet Project’s 6th Annual Holiday Giveback, a local nonprofit that provides year-round support to students throughout the Jacksonville area. The generosity of attendees resulted in many toys collected, helping to spread holiday cheer to children in need.
Adding to the magic of the day, Santa Claus volunteered his time to visit with families, creating unforgettable moments of wonder for children and cherished memories for parents.
The holiday celebrations continued later that evening with the chapter’s annual Mom’s Holiday Party, hosted by the Social Committee. This adults-only event offered members a chance to relax, fellowship and enjoy the season together. A highlight of the evening was a creative Bling Tee experience led by Teresa Nicole, owner of Bling with a Twist, where members enjoyed a lively demonstration and designed their own custom bling shirts.
From families dressed in festive pajamas giving back together during the Holiday Affair to the laughter, creativity and sisterhood shared at the Mom’s Holiday Party, both events reflected a shared vision: warm, cozy and joyful gatherings where everyone could truly connect.
Together, the celebrations beautifully showcased the Jacksonville Chapter of Jack and Jill’s commitment to fellowship, service and community during the holiday season.