FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 8, 2014) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is looking for donations of supplies to help stock its Summer Enrichment Programs in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.
Each summer, the BGGLC provides 400 of its members the opportunity to participate in the clubs’ Summer Enrichment Programs that address the “summer learning loss” experienced by at-risk and underserved youth. The Clubs provide academically focused activities to ensure its members continue to make positive gains in their education, and high-yield learning opportunities to promote creativity and participation in the arts. Free, nutritious lunches and snacks are provided daily during the camps to keep tummies full and minds sharp, while daily recreation and sports sessions help youth stay active and healthy.
“While our Clubs are commonly known to provide positive after-school programs to the community’s at-risk youth, we also continue our mission to inspire and enable young people even through the summer months when academic retention is critical,” said Shannon Lane, chief professional officer of the BGCLC. “Unfortunately, when school doors close, many children struggle to access educational opportunities as well as basic needs such as healthy meals and adequate adult supervision. Our Clubs are where those kids need to be, spending their summer days engaging in educational activities and other programs that we ensure create positive outcomes for our members both in school and the community.”
Requested donations include batteries, cleaning supplies, books for elementary, middle and high school levels, craft paint and paint brushes, white and colored copy paper, construction paper, markers, stencils, fabric paint, yarn, poster board, Styrofoam, modeling clay, musical instruments, costumes, pool sticks, ping pong balls, foosballs, basketballs, soccer balls, whiffle ball equipment, jump ropes, kick balls, flag football belts, new board games, table games, paper plates and napkins, mixing bowls, whisks, and fruits and vegetables.
Donations can be delivered to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, adjacent to the Bell Tower Shops, located at 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers.
The Boys & Girls Clubs works to inspire and enable young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens through character, leadership, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. Currently, there are 1,400 members across five Clubs in Lee County.
The BGCLC strives to provide a safe, world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through its doors. Clubs are located in communities with the greatest need where similar services are limited or nonexistent. Currently, the BGCLC has five locations including Lehigh Acres, Renaissance and Shady Oaks in Fort Myers, Suncoast in North Fort Myers and Pueblo Bonita in Bonita Springs
“My daughter has maintained the A and B honor roll and has earned several awards since she has been a member of the club in Lehigh Acres,” said Dana Bailey. “The Boys & Girls Club truly stands behind their motto ‘A positive place for kids.’”
For more information about the BGCLC or about donations, contact Shannon Lane at 239-334-1886 or slane@bgclc.net.
