I.V. Boys & Girls Club seeks aid
Funding lack could end program at end of June 2008
From our weekly issue dated December 5, 2007
If sufficient funds are not raised by the community, the Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley will end its Illinois Valley program in June 2008, according to Scott Thornhill, executive director of the Illinois Valley Section.
Thornhill told Illinois Valley News last week that the shortfall is a result of a lack of financial support from the community. The program currently costs more than $160,000 a year to operate, and brings in slightly more than $50,000 through membership dues and grants. Agencywide developmental funds provide another $50,000 resulting in a shortage of $60,000.
In the past, this has been covered by the parent organization, which oversees the operation of five programs in Josephine and Jackson counties. However, in this period of fiscal restraint it is no longer able to make up the deficit. The community will be required to raise the necessary money or the Illinois Valley operation will be forced to close on June 30 at the end of the 2007/08 school year. Current donations from the area average $11,682.
The club, which uses facilities at Evergreen Elementary School on River Street in Cave Junction, is open from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and serves an average of 82 youths daily. The five stated goals are to provide direction in the areas of education and career, health-and-life skills, the arts, sports and recreation, and character and leadership.
Thornhill said that most importantly, the club provides a safe, positive environment for young people after school. With so many working parents, he said he feels this to be an essential service for Illinois Valley. He added that an evening meal is also made available free of charge through a grant from the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture.
Thornhill has been meeting with representatives of Boys & Girls Club of Rogue Valley, as well as Cave Junction Mayor Tony Paulson, to explore possible fund-raising options.
Nothing definite has been scheduled as yet.
Thornhill said that the program in Talent is facing the same closure situation, but that other chapters, such as the one in Grants Pass, are in good financial shape by way of business and individual donations. He is hopeful that a similar situation can be accomplished for I.V.
Those interested in helping with the effort, or who have questions, can contact Thornhill at 592-4771.
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