Junior Auxiliary of Meridian has the chance to win more than $10,000 – with the public’s help.

    The local auxiliary recently received $3,000 through an award presented to Pearson and Company Insurance. The local independent insurance company was the recipient of a Safeco Insurance “Make More Happen Award” for its volunteer service with JA of Meridian.

    According to Michele Pearson, owner, the insurance company was selected for the award based on a photo and application demonstrating its commitment to JA of Meridian, which serves the needs of children in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The award recognizes independent insurance agencies that “make more happen” in their community by volunteering for a qualifying organization focused on education, health and safety, or civic engagement.

    The award included a $3,000 donation from Safeco Insurance for Junior Auxiliary of Meridian, and entry in the Safeco “Make More Happen” contest, in which the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite insurance agency and charity team, as well as leave a comment of encouragement for those who make a difference in their communities.

    Based on voting result, the Meridian auxiliary could get up to $10,500 more. If the total votes during the contest reaches a goal of 28,000, all charities featured will received $500. When the contest ends, the three teams with the most votes will win $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second and $3,000 for third.

    Hallie Swindoll, first vice president of Junior Auxiliary of Meridian, said the organization is honored to be recognized by the “Make More Happen” and the grant will supplement their current projects.

    “We hope by reaching out to the community leaders over the summer we can find avenues that will make the most impact for our kids in Meridian and Lauderdale County,” Swindoll said.

    Pearson said her insurance company partnered with JA of Meridian in 2011 when Swindoll, an agent with the insurance company, joined the local auxiliary.

    “Hallie was immediately blown away by the impact that the volunteers were able to accomplish on the lives of the local children,” Pearson said. “She was inspired by these ladies who were champions of children in our community.”

    Swindoll encourages everyone to vote in this contest to help the children.

    “This is an online contest that could bring $10,500 to benefit our children,” she said. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to do this for our children.”

    Current projects of Meridian Junior Auxiliary include: Helping Hands, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), Cinderella’s Closet, Snacks with Santa and Junior Auxiliary Mentors.

    JA also participates in community events such as sponsoring a child safety booth at Meridian’s Threefoot Art Festival, assisting Meridian Main Street orchestrate their Children’s Art Crawl twice a year, and providing community outreach through teacher mini-grants and Girl’s State Scholarships.

    To vote for the Pearson and Company Insurance and Junior Auxiliary of Meridian team, or to leave an online cheer, visit: www.safeco.com/make-more-happen.

    Online votes can be cast in the Safeco Insurance Make More Happen contest once every 24 hours from noon (CDT) April 27 until noon May 18.