Our Volunteer of the Week is Kristan Hill. Hill is a Vicksburg native who moved back to Vicksburg five years ago. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in human sciences. Her husband is Brad Hill and they live in Bovina with their four dogs.  

How did your volunteering for Junior Auxilary begin?

I was thankful to be asked to join the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg shortly after I moved back to Vicksburg and to have the opportunity to become involved in our community through JAV. 

How long have you been volunteering with the Junior Auxiliary?

I became an active member of JAV in 2021. I was asked to join in 2020, but everything was virtual at that time. So 2021 is when I got the chance to go out and get involved volunteering with JAV. 

What is your favorite memory while volunteering for the Junior Auxiliary?

One of my favorite places to visit is the Good Shepherd Community Center to help out in various ways. I visited Good Shepherd even in elementary school and again through high school, so I was excited to return to volunteer there through JAV. Their positive attitudes and enthusiasm toward helping others in need are both inspiring and contagious. Everyone there always has a smile on their faces, and I have enjoyed getting to know the wonderful staff there. Our members love seeing the excitement on the children’s faces when we come weekly to read a book and provide a fun craft. 

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?

Do it. Volunteerism is a humbling experience. Knowing that you have helped make a difference positively, even if it is small, is one of the best feelings. 

What are some of your tasks while volunteering with the Junior Auxiliary?

Along with volunteering through JAV, I also served as the 2023-24 provisional trainer, where I had the honor to teach this year’s provisional class about what our service organization is and the great ways that the JAV chapter helps to serve our local community. 

What have you learned from volunteering?

I have learned that volunteerism brings me joy and gratitude, and to always be kind to others because you never know what someone’s situation is or what someone is going through. 

How can someone else who might be interested in volunteering with the Junior Auxiliary get involved?

We hold several events in our community throughout the year to help us raise funds to continue our service projects that focus on the youth of Vicksburg and Warren County. So, I would say to attend one of those if you are interested in volunteering with JAV.

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.