FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Anne Marie Helm
Managing Director
Junior League of Nashville
amhelm@jlnashville.org
615-269-9393

NASHVILLE, TN — The Junior League of Nashville (JLN) is pleased to announce the distribution of $35,000 in Hamilton Fund grants to 11 local nonprofit organizations, helping to make the holidays brighter for children in Middle Tennessee. These grants are part of JLN’s ongoing commitment to honor Charles Baker Hamilton’s generous bequest to “help enlighten the hearts” of children during the holiday season, in memory of his mother, Mary Ann Pierce Hamilton.

Each year, JLN’s Grants Committee carefully reviews proposals from partner agencies to ensure the funds meet the intent of the bequest. This year’s recipients include organizations that provide gifts, educational experiences, and holiday celebrations to children who need them most.

The 2024 Hamilton Fund grant recipients are:

• Book’em — Provide 1,400 books for children in the Metro Nashville Public Schools HERO program.
• Centerstone of Tennessee — Purchase toys, clothes, and other gifts for foster children in the Therapeutic Foster Care program.
• East Nashville Hope Exchange — Host a holiday party with gifts, food, and basic items for families.
• McNeilly Center for Children — Host a Santa-themed pajama party for the children at the center.
• Nashville Children’s Theatre — Provide free and reduced-cost tickets for MNPS students to see Pippi Longstocking.
• Oasis Center — Provide gifts, holiday meals, and experiences for youth.
• Renewal House — Purchase Christmas crafts, family photos, and decorations for families.
• Safe Haven Family Shelter — Provide Home for the Holidays kits for children.
• Tennessee Justice Center — Fund a craft event and a passion project, where youth will purchase gifts for others.
• The Aloe Family — Support a free store holiday event with food, gifts, and wrapping supplies for families.
• Vanderbilt-Meharry Center for Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease — Purchase holiday books for patients.
• Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt — Purchase Christmas morning gifts for children at the hospital.

“There is something profoundly moving about being able to bring joy and hope to children during the holidays,” said JLN President Allie Reed. “We are honored to continue Charles Baker Hamilton’s legacy by partnering with these incredible organizations. Each grant represents more than just a gift—it represents love, community, and a promise to care for Nashville’s children.”

Photo/Video Opportunity: Toy Tagging Event at JLN Headquarters

The Junior League of Nashville invites media outlets to attend the Toy Tagging Party for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. JLN volunteers will be preparing gifts for children who will be spending the holidays in the hospital.

• Date: Monday, Dec. 16
• Time: Starting at 5:30 p.m.
• Location: JLN Headquarters (2022 Crestmoor Rd, Nashville, TN 37215)
• Contact Anne Marie Helm at 615-269-9393 if your outlet is interested in attending.

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About the Hamilton Fund

The Hamilton Fund was established through a bequest from Charles Baker Hamilton, who wished to honor his mother, Mary Ann Pierce Hamilton, by brightening the holidays for children. Over the years, the definition of helping children has evolved to include addressing physical, mental, emotional, and economic challenges. The Junior League of Nashville is proud to uphold this legacy of generosity and community impact.

About The Junior League of Nashville

Founded in 1922, The Junior League of Nashville (JLN) is an organization of women whose mission is to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Today, JLN has more than 1,500 members who are active in charitable causes that improve the lives of women, children, and families. JLN has founded many important Nashville resources, including the Junior League Home for Crippled Children in 1923 (now a part of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt), the Renewal House, and the JLN Children’s Services at the downtown Nashville Public Library. For additional information about JLN, visit www.jlnashville.org or call (615) 269-9393.