For nearly 20 years, the organisation has helped many Leeton shire residents in times of urgent need.

Now, with money running out in the charity's assets, it is time to consider its future.

"Not everyone in the town and shire has encountered JumpStart, but those who have looked for help in emergencies or difficulties, know how vital the existence of such an organisation has been for them," JumpStart's Megan Martin said.

"Can it continue to provide such a service?"

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JumpStart was set up in 2003 to assist citizens in situations of emergency when accidents, sudden illness or any unforeseen circumstances have caused hardship in their financial situation.

Born out of two separate money-raising campaigns for people suffering serious illnesses, JumpStart has since provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for Leeton people.

The fund was financed by the efforts of a fundraising group and has been administered by an assessment committee. This practice was to ensure those who raised the money had no part in the disbursement of the money in order to keep the charity as fair as possible to those making requests.

Many residents would remember the project of building and selling a house in order to consolidate funds.

"The house was a prime example of the way our community co-operates - the tradespeople who worked on the house were generous in donating their services," JumpStart member Bill Barwick said.

As with many organisations, JumpStart has been run entirely by volunteers.

However, now not only is the money drying up, but so too is the volunteer support for myriad reasons.

With this in mind, a public meeting to discuss the future of JumpStart and its viability will be held on July 13 with a time and venue to be announced.

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Anyone interested in the fund and seeing it continue should attend.

This meeting will be followed by the group's annual general meeting a week later on July 20 at the Leeton Soldiers Club from 5.30pm.

Leeton shire mayor Paul Maytom and Leeton Connect are assisting with arrangements for the public meeting in order to underline the importance of helping to decide JumpStart's future.

"Whatever the future of the fund, Leeton should be immensely proud of both the generous impulse which began it and the way in which people have supported the charity," Mrs Martin said.

"It would be a pity to see it wind up."

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