Since the late 1980s, the Jaycees have not had an active chapter in Poplar Bluff, but that could soon change.
Big Prairie Jaycees member and past President Blair Garza is working to reignite an active club in Poplar Bluff.
An informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday at Bread + Butter in Poplar Bluff, open to anyone interested in learning more about the Jaycees organization.
"I'm seeing this huge community and what could be offered," she said. "It's just crazy to me there is no Jaycees chapter here."
Jaycees is a global organization of young people that join together to improve their lives and communities. The group's goal is to provide leadership training through community service.
Garza has worked for Newwave Communications for the past 11 years and recently transferred to the Poplar Bluff office.
Initially not knowing many people in the community other than co-workers, Garza began to see the possibilities for the area through her involvement with the Jaycees.
"The people I have met here are all great and seem like they already do things to help with other organizations," she said.
"Poplar Bluff would be a great place for a Jaycees chapter to thrive," she said. "Once you hit Highway 60, there are no chapters this way."
The Poplar Bluff Jaycees would be a part of the Region 8 chapter, which Garza described as the "powerhouse area of Missouri Jaycees."
The informational meetings as well as membership to the Poplar Bluff club is open to anyone from neighboring towns, not just residents in the city.
Garza stressed the Jaycees is not in competition with any other organizations, but thrives on teaming up with other groups in the community.
"We are just another group of people who want to help with a huge database," she said. "We have members who are also Shriners, Masons and other organizations."
A Jaycees chapter can become active in a community once 20 people age 18-41 pay their dues of $40 to become a member. Members can be past 41-years-old, but are not able to hold office.
"If you are 50-something and have great ideas and want to get out in the community, you are more than welcome to join," Garza said. "The group doesn't discriminate against anyone who wants to be a Jaycees and help."
Garza added everyone "runs the show" when a member of Jaycees.
"Your voice will definitely be heard within the organization," she said.
Some of the events the Big Prairie Jaycees of Matthews, Mo., are involved with include a free movie night for children, sponsoring ball leagues and a Community Day full of fun and activities throughout the day.
By joining the club, Garza said members can expect to receive a lot of networking opportunities.
Members from neighboring clubs as well as from all over the region are known to stop by and help one another.
"You have this connection of friendship across the state," Garza said. "Everyone is thriving to do the same greatness in their own community and we help each other."
When other clubs link up, she said, huge things can be achieved.
While Garza realizes it can be scary getting into an organization with everything else people have going on, there is no contract to sign or obligation when joining.
Jaycees members are not required to attend every meeting or event, she said.
"Just help when you can," she added. "I guarantee you it's something you will want to do."
Garza's strong connection to the Jaycees began when she was a child staying with her grandmother.
She recalled Jaycees members showing up at the door on Christmas with a basket to assist the family.
"That's why it's important to me now that I'm an adult and able to give back," she said. "I know how important it was for my family as a child."
A Facebook group is available for anyone interested in dates of future informational meetings by searching "Poplar Bluff Jaycees."
"If you're looking to reconnect and give back to your community then Jaycees is the organization for you," Garza said. "I'm excited and hope it takes off!"