Alexandria Jaycees :: About Us: History

More Than 65 Years in the City of Alexandria

With a history as interesting as that of the city it serves, the Alexandria Jaycee Chapter was founded in 1940. Since that time, members from the area have dedicated their time and energy to making Alexandria a better place to live. One of the first community projects the Jaycees tackled was donating $50 to the City's Community Chest and improving the City's tennis courts in 1940.

Enthusiasm and the Jaycee spirit did not stop after the first year. Alexandria Jaycees played a vital role from 1941 through 1945 as the Chapter led the city in the war effort. Although many of the Chapter’s members served in the armed forces, the Chapter sold over $29,000 worth of war bonds, collected 129,642 pounds of paper in a paper drive, and ran many USO projects.

During the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s, the Alexandria Jaycees initiated many community service projects intended to raise civic awareness among Alexandrians and provide fun activities for the public which benefited good causes. These projects included

Get Out The Vote

Jaycee Radio Forum (a regular broadcast of community issues and events)

City Hall Christmas Tree lightings

Haunted House

Holiday Shopping Tour (for underprivileged children)

Concerts in the Park

Since the 1940’s, the Alexandria Jaycees have been recognized by the state and national Jaycee organizations with awards for projects such as:

Forming the Alexandria Tourist Council (in 1954)

Building the amphitheater at Fort Ward Park (in 1967)

Funding and building a playground for Community Lodgings, a transitional housing organization (1997)

A pioneering activity of the Alexandria Jaycees was Dribble ‘n Shoot, a program teaching basketball skills to develop self-confidence later adopted by the Virginia Jaycees and the United States Jaycees. Thus, Alexandria Jaycees are not only helping the local community, but the chapter’s innovative programs are touching people across the country and the world.

As the second oldest, and consistently one of the largest and best chapters in Virginia, the Alexandria Jaycees have nearly 100 members dedicated to serving Alexandria. While working to advance the community and the chapter, Alexandria Jaycee members benefit from program participation which enables them to grow as individuals, professionals and citizens. In addition to civic activities which directly benefit the community, as Jaycee members grow, the community continues to prosper from their contributions.