The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County hold true to that motto, even in tough economic times. These days, though, it's getting harder. The neighborhood-based clubs that are always there to provide positive, productive and affordable outlets for kids could use a little help themselves.
Contributions to the Boys' & Girls Clubs annual Campaign for Kids, which funds club programs and operations, are running behind. The goal is to raise about $260,000 in individual donations by mid-June, and the campaign is about $80,000 short of it.
That may seem like a rather modest shortfall these days, but this is an organization that has made an art of stretching every dollar to its maximum advantage. Out of an annual budget of about $6 million, the organization routinely runs a net balance of just $18,000 -- far below what any accountant would consider a comfortable cushion. The mission is to provide kids with a safe place, fun activities and positive role models, not to run a surplus. When fund-raising falls short, it's felt.
With summer approaching, that mission could be compromised if contributions don't pick up. The end of school means greater demand on the county's 14 clubs, as well as the summer camps they run. A shortage of operating funds would mean fewer scholarships for needy kids to go to camp, and could spell shorter hours and leaner staffing at the clubs themselves -- clubs that together serve almost 18,000 kids in Snohomish County.
The culprit, of course, is the economy. Some regular donors have lost their jobs or seen their hours cut back; others are waiting to see how their own situation shakes out. Yet the same factors have the clubs trying to meet an increasing need. The pool of donors needs to grow.
This organization knows how to get plenty of bang out of every buck raised. Your contribution will make a real and direct difference for children in our community. Help ensure that no kid gets turned away.
Contributions to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County Campaign for Kids can be sent to 4322 Rucker Ave., Everett, WA 98203.
