Lombard Junior Women's Club

The Lombard Junior Women's Club (LJWC) is a non-profit organization established in 1930. It is affiliated with the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), one of the largest non-denominational and non-partisan volunteer women's organizations worldwide. The LJWC is also part of the GFWC Illinois, specifically within the Fifth District, which includes other clubs in DuPage County.

Mission and Activities

The club is dedicated to community service and philanthropy. It organizes various activities and fundraisers to support local, national, and international charitable causes. Notable programs include:

• TLC Camp: A week-long summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings, demonstrating the club's commitment to supporting families in need.
• Lilac Princess Program: A scholarship initiative for young ladies in Lombard, which has been a part of the Lombard Lilac Time tradition since 2001.
• Community Support: Members participate in activities like preparing meals for PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter), providing holiday gifts via York Township’s Secret Santa Program, and packing food for Feed Our Starving Children. Additionally, they engage in social activities such as playing bingo with veterans at Hines VA Hospital.

Philanthropic Impact

In recent years, the LJWC has made significant financial contributions to various organizations. For instance, in 2023, the club's philanthropic fund donated $78,402, showcasing its dedication to giving back to the community. Through fundraising efforts and donations, the club, along with TLC Camp, collectively raised nearly $80,000 in the same year. The club emphasizes the value of volunteer work, with members contributing over 8,200 hours to their projects annually.

Environmental Initiatives

The club also participates in environmental initiatives, such as the Pumpkin Smash event, which encourages the composting of pumpkins instead of sending them to landfills. This event promotes sustainable practices in the community and is co-hosted with other local organizations.

Legal Status

The Lombard Junior Women's Club holds 501(c)3 status as a recognized philanthropic organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, enabling it to receive tax-deductible donations and support its charitable activities. The club's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 36-2900747.