COUDERSPORT — Local club president George Dubots stated that the ultimate goal of Potter County’s Boys & Girls Club is to expand to serve students in all of Potter County’s school districts by running after-school programs in each community.
The program benefits students in kindergarten through sixth grade, providing after-school activities, arts and crafts, sports activities, homework assistance and a full hot meal at dinnertime. Older kids, who have already passed the age of participating in the program, can volunteer to work with the younger kids or help out at the club in other ways.
Currently, the club has about 40 members. By the end of last school year, membership was at 78. Numbers this year continue to grow each month as more students hear about the program and are enrolled.
The club initially got its start during the 2011/2012 school year, but the club had to cease operations in early 2013 due to lack of funding. Board members and volunteers spent most of 2013 and 2014 fundraising, and reopened the club as of March 2015.
Dubots stated that they fundraise throughout each year, but have, as of yet, been unable to find the one big, successful fundraiser that they can depend on each year to bring in the majority of the funds needed to operate the club.
“We will continue to do what we can with what we have to make sure our students are provided for. We are hoping the club will continue to grow stronger in our community and into other surrounding communities,” Dubots said. “Our students are our future. Let’s give them every opportunity to succeed.”
Many people and businesses in the community have stepped up to help out monetarily. Grant money was received from Potter County Children & Youth Services, Level 3 Communications, and Rite Aid. Other donations have come in from organizations, businesses and individuals within the community. The club is also a part of the Rite Aid KidCents program.
Lowe’s of Mansfield recently donated a large storage shed with two freezers and two refrigerators so that the club could store food for upcoming meals, which are cooked by individuals employed by the club.
Unfortunately, a grant recently applied for that would have covered a lot of expenses was not approved. And, while some local businesses and individuals have pitched in money to sponsor memberships for low-income families, membership fees had to be increased this year.
“This is something we did not want to do, because we feel this should be affordable for every family,” said Dubots.
Club organizers continue to soldier on, however, organizing small fundraisers throughout the year in order to meet the needs of young members. Several weeks ago, a Donkey Basketball tournament was held. The club also holds raffles, three-on-three basketball tournaments, a Breakfast with Santa event, a First Day of Fishing Season breakfast, and pancake meals. Over the past two weeks, Knockerball tournaments have been held at both the Falling Leaves festival and the Coudersport Falcons’ Senior Night.
Dubots stated that the club is always seeking volunteers, membership sponsorships, grant and fundraising opportunities. Anyone with interest in volunteering or donating can contact Dubots or the club’s Executive Director Sherry Page.
For more information on the club or to join, check out the group’s Facebook page, or email gdubots@zitomedia.net. Membership costs are $80 for single, $110 for families. Sponsorships are available for low-income families or individuals.
Donations can be made to BGCPC at PO Box 332; Coudersport, PA 16915.
