Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
More than 75 area youth ate Thanksgiving dinner a little early Monday.
The meal is an annual event for the Boys & Girls Club of Kosciusko County. Provided by Bob Evans Restaurant, the meal for the children included green beans, stuffing, potatoes, rolls, gravy and turkey.
"We think one of the greatest things (about the meal) is that kids can come and sit and eat together," said Cindi Knepper.
"There are kids who need it," she said. "There are kids who need socks. And it's sad because this is the third richest community in the state."
She said the club wants to fill in the gaps and show the kids they are a precious resource. They try to do whatever they can, she said, to help a child, whether it's as simple as helping them color a map or play a game of basketball.
"Without volunteers and the community knowing about it, we wouldn't survive," she said.
Boys and girls age 5 to 18 are eligible for membership in the club. The club has open activities anytime during its hours of operation. Membership is free.
Knepper said, "We want any kid to come and feel like they belong."
The children can receive tutoring while at the club, can participate in activities or just hang out with other kids. Often, Knepper said, youth who get help at the club do better in school. Teachers will sometimes even call Knepper and tell her what a child may need help on.
The club, she said, is always in need of volunteers, paper, lip balm, mittens, etc.
The mission of the club is to partner with families and communities to enable young people in the county to grow up to be responsible, self-reliant and caring adults.
Every activity is planned and supervised by an adult and the environment is safe and comfortable.
Some of the club's programs include SMART Moves, tutoring, Jobs for Juniors, Nike Cross Training, Michael Jordan Essay, Bo Knows, jump rope challenge, spot shot contest, Youth of the Year and Children Having Opportunities in Career Education.
Boys & Girls Club of Kosciusko County Inc. is a United Way Agency and donations are tax deductible.
For more information, contact the Club at 268-1155 or e-mail at boysandgirlsclub@kconline.com
