For the 35th time, Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven will conduct its annual Peel ’Em & Eat ’Em Shrimp Dinner.

From 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, plates can be picked up at Lincoln Civic Center. The Sweet Shoppe Bake Sale will also be open for dessert to go with the boiled shrimp.

Every $15 plate sold raises funds for JA service projects throughout the year, benefiting the children of Brookhaven and Lincoln County.

Tickets are for sale at K&B Seafood and the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, as well as from JA members. Anyone who still does not have tickets can purchase one at either location while supplies last. No tickets or plates will be sold the day of the event.

Each shrimp plate includes boiled shrimp, corn on the cob, potato salad and cocktail sauce.

JA’s only fundraiser, the shrimp dinner helps fund the organization’s year-round projects.

“We do scholarships, as well,” said JA member Erica Kent. “We have several endowments we award throughout the year to both students and teachers. The one for teachers gives money to a special education teacher for their classroom.”

JA sponsors Wish Tree to provide clothing and toys during Christmas for families who may not be able to buy gifts for their children. Child Welfare provides personal support and attention for children, and allows them to form supporting relationships with JA members.

A community assistance project helps stock emergency clothes closets, and assist families in time of great need. Crown Club works with 10th and 11th-grade girls, partnering them to volunteer with JA.

Another program, Special Focus, provides fun and interactive activities for children with disabilities and their families.

JA also sponsors Reality World each spring for ninth graders, teaching them how to do real-world things like balance a bank statement or apply for a job.

“That’s why the shrimp dinner is such a big thing,” Kent said. “It’s a whole lot of work but it’s our only fundraiser that helps us do all those things.”

Brookhaven JA , founded in 1954, is part of Region 5, and has 37 active members.