For the past seventy-five years, the Junior League of Williamsport has been improving the greater Williamsport community through its numerous outreach projects researched and executed by trained volunteers. Both independently and collaboratively, the League has been involved in projects in the areas of Health and Welfare, Social Services, Education, the Arts and Historical Preservation.

Cinderella's Closet

The League began Cinderella's Closet in 2008. This event collects and sells (for a nominal fee) new and gently used prom dresses and accessories for teenage girls to help offset the sometimes prohibitive cost of attending prom. The event allows girls of all economic backgrounds to shop and find that special dress and accessories at an affordable price. In 2008 more than 400 gowns were donated. Due to the sucess of the first year, the League has voted to continute this project through 2010.

Projects in a Day

This committee's mission is to respond to planned and impromptu requests from the community for trained volunteers to assist in facilitating community events that fall within the League's focus areas. League members participate in hands-on projects throughout Greater Williamsport. Examples of past projects include: Habitat for Humanity, Holiday Adopt-A-Family and Red Cross Blood Mobile.

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Recent Past Projects

The Literacy Project

This project focused on developing family literacy. The program initially began in 2000 as a cooperative venture with the Lycoming County Literacy Project, Inc. (now The Learning Center). The Learning Center views family literacy outreach as a major parent skills-building and family empowerment vehicle.

Trained League volunteers led evening read-ins with enrolled families. Read-In sessions were developed around a central theme that encouraged guest speakers, activities and topics that would interest both parent and child.

The Allergy Awareness Project

Beginning in 2002, teams of Junior League volunteers began providing area preschools with information and materials needed to deal effectively with life threatening food allergies. The League has educated the faculties at twenty preschools using materials provided by the national Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

This year, the project expanded to include a Restaurant Tour, in which League volunteers educated local restaurant owners, managers and employees on the risks associated with food allergies.