Boys & Girls Club celebrates end of busy summer season with Back-to-School Bash.
Last week, the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-county Area celebrated the end of summer with a huge Back-to-School Bash. Over 100 Club members attended the celebration, which featured the Club’s center director and staff members making a big splash in a dunk tank, a backpack giveaway, community closet shopping spree, haircuts and more.
“The day was about letting loose, having some laughs and celebrating another safe and fun-filled summer on the record books” said Center Director Harper Mruk. “This year, we are proud to have partnered with other community agencies to provide out Club families with resources to ease the stress of back-to-school shopping and the expenses that come along with getting each child prepared for a new year”
Thill Logistics, based in Neenah, generously donated the 300 backpacks full of the appropriate supplies per grade to the Club. Over 270 Club members took advantage of this opportunity. The remainder will be distributed throughout the year to Club members.
“It was like Christmas at the Club. Our Club members were smiling from ear to ear after receiving their new backpacks filled with supplies,” said Harper, “This year we have seen a steady increase in the amount of Club families who need support, so Thill Logistics has truly made a big impact at out Club this summer. We are lucky to have them as a supporter!”
In addition to the backpacks and supplies, the Keystone Club, a leadership group for teens at the Club, organized another Community Closet event. Community Closet is an ongoing service project the teens manage, which provides clothing for families in need by setting up a “store” at the Club that is filled with donated clothing available for families to browse through and take home at no cost.
Club members also received new haircuts ad the Back-to-School Bash, providing confidence to those members who otherwise would’ve gone without.
“It is truly our goal to make sure each of out Club members feel confident going into the new school year. We want them to feel equal to their peers and no one to feel embarrassed or saddened by the lack of new clothing or proper supplies,” said Harper. “We are truly blessed to be able to partner with other agencies who know the importance of our mission. These are the types of things that children will remember and appreciate when they are adults.”
The Boys & Girls Club is currently renewing Club memberships and inviting those youth in the community, who have not been down to the Club, to check out all the fun and become a member today! An annual membership fee is only $25 per year, and scholarships are available for those families who need assistance.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area, please contact the Club at (920) 361-2717 or visit the Club online at www.bgcaberlin.org.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area is a self-funding unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. All contributions and monies raised for the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area always remain in and for the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area.
From the “Berlin Journal”
(SEPTEMBER 2, 2010)
