Dear Friends:

 

As a mother, the time I spent hearing about my children’s day was always so important.  I would ask them to share with me all of the details…their successes and challenges academically, physically, and socially.  At times I cried with them when there were small defeats and at other times I cheered as loud as I could when there were victories.  I sent them off each day knowing that there were no limits to what they could accomplish.

 

I know that most of you have given your children that same love and support.  That critical nurturing that is so important to a young persons development.  But unfortunately, a large number of the children who scurry into the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier do not receive that level of attention.  Over 45% of our children come from single parent homes and more than 80 percent of our kids live at or below the poverty level.  Good families, hard working parents who work 8-12 hour days just to keep food on the table.  Our parents are doing the best they can, but at times it is not enough and they need our assistance. 

 

 

One Club member, who suffers from severe selective mutism, could not speak or even acknowledge when spoken to when she came to the Club.   Week after week, our staff members would connect and engage with her and slowly progress was made.  First it was a nod of the head, and then a single whispered word.  Very slowly with daily attention, she began to talk and play with other kids.  We regularly hear her now shout across the gym to her friends.  Mom says it’s because of the love and attention that she gets at the club.

 

It doesn’t take much to be a part of this magical time in our children’s lives, and so we invite you today to get involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier.  Your gift of time, talent, or treasures will help us ensure that our children will not go home hungry, they will run and exercise and have fun, and they will learn how to be good citizens in our community.

 

On behalf of our 2,800 Club members thank you for believing in them and reaching out to make a difference!

 

Warmest wishes,

 

Samantha Ridout

Executive Director