The local chapter of the Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs Juniorette Diamonds held their monthly meeting and Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 7 where they stuffed 80 handmade dolls for Operation Smile.

Earlier in the year, members of the local organization heard about Operation Smile and decided to help.

According to the organization’s website, Operation Smile is a non-profit that provides repair surgeries to children across the world with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

At the meeting, Cindy Murchison spoke to the Juniorettes about Operation Smile and how the organization helps the affected children.

“Without this surgery, nine in 10 children with a cleft condition could die,” Murchison said in a press release.

According to the release, members of the Juniorette Diamonds also donated socks to a South Mississippi domestic violence shelter.

Members of the Juniorette Diamonds also brought food donations to be placed in a backpack and then provided to local school children in need before the Christmas break, the release states.

Members of the club also decorated and wrote Christmas messages to nursing home residents and homebound seniors.

Members of the Juniorette Diamonds are young women who attend seventh to 12th grade. The club’s goal is to instill good moral character, grades, citizenship and volunteerism, the release states.

“It has been my pleasure working with these amazing young ladies,” Communications and Public Relations Chairman Darlene Adams said. “They want to make a difference in the lives of others, one project at a time.”

To learn more about the organization, visit gfwc.org.