“For the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC), North Texas Giving Day is during our Back to School Campaign each year, giving us the opportunity to spread the message of the impact our Clubs have on the youth in Collin County. This year we are raising funds to raise hands through focusing on three core areas that put the kids on a path to a great future.
“Each year, the dollars raised during North Texas Giving Day have provided funding for scholarships and programming for over 2,500 Club members that have led to many success stories. Through our mission, enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, we are more than an after-school program. We are a safe place for youth from the ages of 5-18 that provides programming for Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership that gives them the necessary skills to become that productive, caring, responsible citizen. We are looking forward to another successful year and raising over $25,000 that will continue to allow us to bridge the gap during out-of-school time.
“A true success story for Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County is when Joey was in fourth grade. He enjoyed looking at picture books, but he dreaded when he was called upon to read in class. It did not take long for the teacher to bring concerns about Joey’s reading, writing and math abilities to his mother, and for her to hear the word dyslexia. Joey’s mother was devastated. He was always trying so hard, and she knew telling him would make him feel defeated, but after receiving the news, Joey’s mom went to talk with the Frisco Club’s Branch Director.
“From that day, the Education Director spent time during Power Hour to tutor Joey. She would help him understand letters, words and annunciations. She spent the time he needed to not allow dyslexia to negatively impact his future.
“According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the high school dropout rate for students with learning disabilities is more than twice what it is for other students.
“At the Club, members receive programming that focuses on putting them on the path to a great future and teaching them how to overcome obstacles or challenges in life, such as dyslexia. Joey beat the dropout rate statistic, because the Club provided him a safe place to learn, with caring staff and programming that focuses on providing the skills necessary to create a great future!
“Visit our website www.bgccc.org to learn more about the Clubs and programs that your $25 donation (or more) on North Texas Giving Day will provide, impacting over 7,000 children throughout Collin County.”
-By Mike Simpson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County CEO
* Photo credit: Boys & Girls Clubs of America