Blake Smith/Jefferson Jimplecute
Like the saying goes, “it takes a village.” This concept reigns true for the small town of Jefferson as it is a community that prides itself on being tightknit. From family-owned coffee shops to community-wide festivals, Jefferson has it all.
The only thing Marion County does not have is a paid fire department. However, the county operates under the assistance of the volunteer fire department, staffed with their own EMTs. The department is funded by the Mims Community Center’s Ladies Auxiliary.
The auxiliary is composed of 20-25 members whose passion for service single-handedly keeps the fire department up and running.
Led by their president, Kathy Whitt, the Auxiliary works tirelessly to ensure that the fire department and community feel safe and supported.
The Auxiliary works out of the Mims Community Center which is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time, guests can drop by to volunteer their time or make both monetary and tangible donations.
Volunteering opportunities are available for guests of all ages and there is always a need for an extra helping hand. Volunteers can create their own schedules and are encouraged to come and go as they see fit.
The organization is mostly composed of local retirees who have a passion for service. However, Whitt says the organization is looking for younger volunteers to help with marketing efforts.
Although it is not mandatory, Whitt encourages volunteers to join the lady’s auxiliary and reap all its benefits.
The group hosts a potluck on the third Thursday of every month. Members gather to enjoy a bountiful lunch and listen to a range of guest speakers.
In addition, they have a variety of events for members to attend including their annual Author’s Day as well as the Garden Club.
The garden club started as an extension of the farmer’s market. Members meet every second Monday of the month to renovate the flower beds located in front of the community center. The club is open to all who are looking to learn more about gardening.
The auxiliary is not all fun and games. Their overall mission is to help serve the community by supporting the fire department.
Each year, the women host several fundraisers such as fish fries, bake sales, a resale shop, a farmer’s market, seasonal food baskets and an annual toy drive during Christmas.
Aside from this array of fundraisers, the group also raises money by hosting a weekly breakfast that is open to the citizens of Marion County as well as by renting out the newly renovated community center.
Even though the organization is a non-profit, that has not hindered the amount of money they have collected for the fire department. In 2022, Whitt reported that the Ladies Auxiliary collected over $15,000 in donations for the department.
“Seeing people work together and flourish is the most rewarding part of my job,” Whitt said.
The fire department and Ladies Auxiliary are run solely by the support of volunteers. The driving force for each volunteer is rooted in the desire to better their community.
“If you don’t want your house to burn down, that is the driving force. The fire department and ambulance have been reported to offer amazing services,” Whitt said. “I have had two friends who were saved after being deathly sick because of the EMTs we have.”
Jefferson is a town that is not unfamiliar with the concept of it “taking a village.” Both the fire department/EMTs and the Ladies Auxiliary are just one part of the greater mission that helps keep the citizens of Jefferson happy and healthy.
For more information about the Ladies Auxiliary and how to get involved, follow them on Facebook at Mims Community Center. You can also learn more about the center in the volunteer fire department’s annual newsletter.