COVID-19 Virus Impacts Your Boys & Girls Club

Greetings! 

As we are all now aware, the impact of the COVID-19 virus extends far beyond the severe and frightening health issues involved. The effect on small businesses, including charitable organizations, is profound, and the Boys & Girls Club is no exception. 

The situation has mandated closure of the club since March 16, and we will not be able to resume operations until the Governor lifts or relaxes restrictions. This, of course, puts a significant strain on the revenue stream necessary to support our existing obligations and staffing requirements over the indeterminate term of this crises. With funds currently in hand, the club can meet our basic needs over the short term, but beyond that, some hard choices will have to be made.

While we are pursuing several avenues for revenue, including multiple grant requests and an outreach to the Office of the Governor for assistance, none of these efforts guarantee results as, in the midst of this crises, all such sources are severely stressed. 

Our biggest challenge at the moment relates to retention of our highly trained and competent staff. If we should lose these people, the repercussions will resonate for a considerable time, greatly inhibiting our ability to rapidly reinstate our many important programs once the crises passes. 

Currently our staff is busy with many tasks that can be attended to while the club is closed. We are setting up remote activities for the kids on our Facebook Page, making needed repairs and maintenance of the club facilities, completing child safety training, building curriculum for the Summer Program, planning and preparing for new programs in art and music, as well as other important activities to benefit these children. Thus, it is critical that we continue to operate if we are to see these programs reinstated as soon as restrictions are lifted. 

While we have made every effort to reduce or eliminate costs, where possible without jeopardizing our ability to re-open, we must still ask for your help in getting through these hard times. We all realize the children of this community represent the future and we ask you to stand with them now. Please join us as we respond to our community in crisis. Your tax deductible gift of:

Click here to make your gift or mail to PO Box 739, Florence OR 97439. Thank you, your gift today helps kids today!If you have any questions, please contact the club at 541-902-0304. 

Sincerely, 
Chuck Trent
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Lane County
Executive Director
ctrent@bgcwlc.org
541-902-0304