Boys & Girls Club launches fund drive

Editor,

This summer at the Boys & Girls Club has been incredible. Our staff and board enjoy the mission of serving club members from our Ronan and Polson units, and over 24 new members from the Charlo summer program. Many days we see over 100 club members and provide safe activities for them including a chance to cool off in one of our two swimming pools.

The challenge of providing these services is a never-ending task. Fees for membership are only $5 per year. The reason for the low fee is that we don't want the kids to bear the burden of membership; often times we find ways to help members with their fee. This is a nationwide club policy. Most programs or extra planned activities are at no charge.

The club is open to members 6 to 18 years old. Most clubs, ours included, have hours Monday through Friday for members. Our club has extended hours for teens on Fridays.

Businesses, organizations and individuals including each one of our board members from the Polson and Ronan service areas contribute funds for our survival. At this time Boys & Girls Club needs help from the community at large to keep our doors open for the fall program. When membership numbers grow like they have this past year, it takes additional staff, materials and programming to keep up with the need. The Ronan unit alone grew from 377 to 525 members since Jan. 1, 2006.

The board of directors has embarked on a fund raising plan called the One Campaign. You may have seen television or heard radio public service announcements related to this campaign. Part of that campaign is raising funds via phone or direct contact with people in the community. Individuals, community members, businesses or organizations may be getting a phone call or visit from one of our board members or a volunteer as a part of this fund raising campaign.

During the next few days or weeks please consider giving a tax-deductible contribution to the club. Join us in our effort to provide a safe, fun place for kids to go after school. Where would each of those 100 members have been this summer if it weren't for the club? You could measure your gift by the day, week, month or whatever criteria you choose but the value of that gift is immeasurable.

Please contact me for answers to any questions that come to mind.

John Schnase, Executive Director

Boys & Girls Club

Ronan