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an opportunity to experience something new. It was a group
effort from the entire League and was so much fun to launch
something new in our community and League. I have enjoyed
watching it grow and evolve over the past ten years,” Pacelli adds.
A unique aspect of Touch A Truck ® Jackson is that it is a
fund development business and a community project of the
Junior League of Jackson. Each year, Touch A Truck ® Jackson
invites 1,600 students from around the Jackson metro area as
part of Field Trip Friday. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate
sponsors, supporters, and Junior League members through
Handy Helper donations, we are able to offer this educational
opportunity to invited second-grade students at no cost.
Meredith McCullough, 2023 Touch A Truck ® Jackson chair,
said, “I wanted to take on this role because I love hearing all
the sweet stories of the children who attend Field Trip Friday
and experience all the excitement that comes with interactive
fun bringing classroom learning and pages of books to life.
This year we have so many great activities planned, and I look
forward to seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they explore,
climb, and touch trucks and equipment at our various
interactive exhibits.”
Over the past ten years, Touch A Truck ® Jackson has raised
more than $350,000, which stays here in the Jackson metro
area. These funds allow the League to fund its mission,
including the support of more than 30 community projects
and initiatives in the areas of children’s health, early literacy,
and social development. “Touch A Truck ® Jackson has evolved
over the past ten years to incorporate activities and opportunities
for children and schools in the Jackson metro area
beyond the initial Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience. In 2018
we introduced a literacy tent with guest readers throughout
the day and in 2019 we established STREAM stations to further
expand the hands-on learning experience. We continue to
evolve the Touch A Truck ® Jackson experience to coincide
with the mission of the Junior League of Jackson. This event
has grown into an experience that showcases how fun and
learning can come together beautifully through focused
volunteerism and an impact-based model of service. I could
not be more excited about this tenth anniversary event for our
community,” said Bethany Smith, 2022-2023 Junior League of
Jackson president.
Touch A Truck ® Jackson 2023 kicks off Friday, March 31,
with Donuts & Dump Trucks, a preschool event; followed by
Field Trip Friday; and Unplugged, an event for children with
sensory needs. The fun will continue that night with a new
special event, Glow in the Park–a glow party like you have
never seen with music from DJ Adam, illuminated exhibits,
and fun activities!
Big Wheel Breakfast will kick off Saturday morning, April 1,
allowing attendees to enjoy breakfast and early access to
exhibitors. General admission opens at 10:00am and will
feature interactive science, technology, reading, engineering,
arts, and math (STREAM) booths for children to enjoy, literacy
fun, and so many exciting exhibitors.
Tickets are available for Glow in the Park,
Big Wheel Breakfast, and general admission at
www.touchatruckjackson.com
Our special events can sell out,
so don’t delay in purchasing!
Hometown RANKIN • 31