The Junior Auxiliary of Hammond will be marking their 40th anniversary and celebrating the second annual Jolly Jingles Market shopping extravaganza. 

The Jolly Jingles Market will take place Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pennington. The cover charge for this event will be $5 at the door and $3 pre-sale.

“Junior Auxiliary of Hammond is a nonprofit organization that has been in Hammond for 40 years,” said Annette Baldwin, President of the Junior Auxiliary of Hammond. “It is actually our 40th anniversary this year. We started in 1976. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that focuses children in the community from birth to college students.  We also support community enhancement projects.”

An organization is considered a 501(c)(3) if it is registered as a non-profit and receives tax-exemptions.

This event is a fundraiser to help Junior Auxiliary raise money, so they can have a bigger budget to help those in need. They also help with community projects. 

 “The ladies of Junior Auxiliary are responsible for raising their own budget for all of their community projects,” said Baldwin. “Examples of community projects are support for the Southeastern Food Pantry, Restoration House Crisis Pregnancy Center in Hammond, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, as well as improve literacy with local elementary students.” 

The Junior Auxiliary has made changes to this year’s market. They will be focusing on the Man and Woman of the Year and also will be giving an exclusive on the history of Junior Auxiliary.  

 “Each year, Junior Auxiliary seeks nominations for a man and woman in the community that has done the most service towards children and community enhancement,” said Baldwin. “This year we will have an area of the market where the Man and Woman of the Year will be revealed.”

Despite the changes you can expect, the large variety of vendors will remain. There will be monogramming, gourmet food, children’s clothing, women’s and men’s clothing, cosmetics, books, holiday accessories, jewelry, art and home accessories.

“Last year, we hosted 86 vendors and 2000 shoppers,” said Baldwin. “We hope to double the amount of shoppers. We really believe that our market is a convenient way to get a head start on your holiday shopping, and that way, you don’t necessarily have to leave town to get awesome gifts.”

The Southeastern Community Music School, Hammond Eastside Elementary Magnet Company and the Hammond Ballet will provide entertainment.

The Boy Scouts will host the Santa Pancake Breakfast. The Restoration House will be hosting its Cinderella’s Pumpkin Tea. 

Junior Auxiliary appreciates the organizations and volunteers who came together to make everything possible.  

“We are ever so excited about the response from Southeastern students and their desire to volunteer at our festive market,” said Baldwin. “We want to thank all those who have signed up to give their time to help this event be a success.”

For more information, visit jaofhammond.com or follow their Facebook page at JA Jolly Jingles Market.