News : Boys & Girls Club needs help to serve more kids : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

Boys & Girls Club needs help to serve more kids

Published on Thursday, September 2, 2010 4:35 PM MDT

Bill Vander Weele

The Boys & Girls Club of Richland County is seeing record-breaking numbers already as the school year begins.

There have been 155 students registered for the after-school program. A record amount of 114 students attended on Tuesday.

“Three years ago, we had 102 for the record,” Sara Berndt, program director, said. “We’ve been in the high 90s and in the 100s every day this year.”

The high attendance is great news for the club’s success. The problem is the club currently has only six employees, which wouldn’t support a higher student load. So on Wednesday, the club suspended registration enrollment. The club president Jean Campbell has been volunteering every day to help with the high numbers.

Sarah Sifers, executive director of the club, said there were 110 club members in the program at this time last year. Once colder weather hit, the number increased to 171.

Different this year than last year is the club is no longer eligible to apply for one of its grants ($50,000) and the $40,000 received through stimulus funds last year is not available now.

“This year, the money has gone away so we are facing a budget deficit,” Sifers said.

The club is going to be rolling out a new fundraising idea where parents and community members can make a monthly pledge to the club and have it automatically withdrawn from their accounts. “A $20 pledge each month can go a long way if 200 people are making it,” Sifers said.

Another shortfall comes in the amount of volunteers this year. Berndt urges residents to help out either daily or a few times a week. If interested, call her at 433-6763.

“Once we’ve hired more help, or get more volunteers, then we can reopen membership,” Sifers said.

Donations of healthy snacks would also be appreciated.

The club’s makeup is young with Kindergarten being the largest group with (32) and about 13 fifth graders helping as aides once their homework is done.

“It has gone really well so far,” Sifers said of this year’s program. “But we need more people to serve more kids.”

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

bus fee wrote on Sep 10, 2010 3:39 PM:

" That is something you would have to ask the schools. It is not something set by the Club and I don't believe any of the money goes to them. "

New to Club this year wrote on Sep 10, 2010 12:50 PM:

" As the parent of a new member, I agree that $30 is a very low cost for everything I have seen provided so far. Personally I would rather pay the club a higher monthly fee rather than pay $25 a month to get my child bussed there! The bus fee seems rather high at $225 per year when you only pay $30 a year for the club! How is this figured out? "

Parent of student wrote on Sep 9, 2010 12:41 PM:

" The yearly membership fee of $30 a year is exceptionally frugal. As a parent of a student who attends the Boys and Girls Club, I would be willing to pay more, even on my limited income. "

Boys and Ladies wrote on Sep 6, 2010 1:32 PM:

" Why would they (Sidney Schools) give them rent when they move them around like a fourth thought. Why dont they have there own building? Can anyone explain why they arent a priority by the school systems and the county? "

....... wrote on Sep 5, 2010 2:15 PM:

" It is great that there are so many willing to donate money, but the article is explaining it is people and time that they also need donated. "

donate online wrote on Sep 4, 2010 11:41 PM:

" Anyone can donate to the local club by going to its website at richlandbgc.org. To the left is a tab that says donate online. Would be great to see tons of community responses in helping this very needed youth organization. "

sidney wrote on Sep 4, 2010 10:31 PM:

" perhaps the school district could give them free rent by using oil money........ "

KEEP IN MIND wrote on Sep 4, 2010 6:55 PM:

" our county 4-H clubs are made up of children throughout our area, those who live both in town and out in the country. Just be kind and find something positive to say. "

ALLTHE NEGATIVITY wrote on Sep 4, 2010 6:53 PM:

" Again someone can see only the negative - our Boys and Girls Club serves all students whether they live in the city or the country. Yes, maybe county funds could help this organization, but why does someone always have to make this forum such a battle over everything. Support our club if you can and help us to find ways to make sure this important program remains in our community. Remember it is about our young people and like it is said "IT TAKES A VILLAGE". "

County wrote on Sep 3, 2010 4:14 PM:

" My question is with all the BS that the County is pouring money into how have they overlooked this organization? Do they not care about he children in this county or is it that most of these kids are "city" kids and they seem to only want to help "country" kids just like everything else. Didnt the county pay off the debt for what was stolen because it was a "county organization" How many kids does 4H have? Its a great organization but come on lets be fair to everyone not just the commishes neighbors.. "

Upset wrote on Sep 3, 2010 2:41 PM:

" We need to come together and help out this organization! Can any of you think of one after school program that has as many children???? No, is the answer because this is the only one! What would we do without them!?? We all need to do something, each one of us! "

helpful wrote on Sep 3, 2010 11:20 AM:

" You may want to contact the Boys and Girls club in Billings and find out where their funding comes from. They have had a club for many years. Just a thought. "

resident wrote on Sep 3, 2010 8:25 AM:

" This is such an awesome program. I really hope they can come up with enough money to keep operating at the level they do now. All the kids that are there are kids that are not out getting into mischief while their parents are at work. Good job Boys & Girls Club and keep up the good work. I'll be contacting you about donating. "

sidney wrote on Sep 2, 2010 8:42 PM:

" is there a way we can donate online? "

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