Thursday, April 23, 1998 | 10:43 a.m.
The organization was founded in 1860 in Hartford, Conn., as a haven for indigent kids. More than a century later, the need keeps growing for a safe place for kids to go after school so they don't get into trouble. The latest issue of Newsweek carries a timely story with the headline, "It's 4:00 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?" The in-depth report found that the most dangerous time for kids isn't late in the evening; the greatest risk is from 2 to 8 p.m. -- "Crime Time" -- when the kids are out of school and their parents are working. That's where Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth groups make their mark: they provide educational, recreational and vocational benefits for kids when their parents aren't around.
The first Boys Club in Southern Nevada was established more than four decades ago in Henderson. The SUN has had a long association with Boys & Girls Clubs. The SUN Camp Fund pays for underprivileged kids, including those from Boys & Girls Clubs, to attend summer camp for a week. Last year, 592 kids from local Boys & Girls Clubs went to camp because of the community's generous donations.
Even Congress is finally starting to see the benefit of these types of programs, approving $20 million a year to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. But it's important to remember that it's the volunteers of all youth programs who are the backbone to maintaining their vitality and strength. If you're interested in volunteering, contact any group that assists kids.
Our children are our future and they need our help.
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