Giving Back to the Community |
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The ultimate goal of the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle is for the youth who attend our clubs to become productive members of their community. That's why character development and community service are woven into our programming throughout the year. Volunteering and giving to others is important.
During the month of January, members of the Martinsburg/Berkeley County Club created heart wreaths from items already at the Club, such as paper plates and construction paper. These wreaths were given Hospice of the Panhandle for its inpatient facility and volunteers.
Our kids also designed and made Valentine's Day cards for individuals at local nursing homes. While the kids were working on these projects, Boys & Girls Club staff discussed why they were doing these projects, the importance of showing other people that they matter, and the impact of volunteering.
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While residents across the Mountain State dealt with a winter storm on January 16, Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle CEO, Stacie Rohn, braved the elements to speak up for kids.
Katie Lee, from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, joined Stacie to meet with the Eastern Panhandle delegation at the state capitol in Charleston to discuss future plans for growth and expansion of the Boys & Girls Club.
Stacie also visited with Club alumni Berkeley Bentley, Chief Counsel for Governor Jim Justice, and with Larry Pack, Secretary of Revenue.
"The Boys & Girls Fund has to advocate for our kids,:" Stacie said. "Our leaders need to understand that we must provide sufficient resources and support to ensure that the next generation is the best generation yet."
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Behind the Blue Doors:
Meet Our Board
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Board member Amy Klingelsmith's commitment to youth developed as part of her career. Amy, who is Director of Business and Product Development for Chem-Pak, said, "Working with young people as part of my company's internship program has been the most rewarding part of my career. When the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle presented itself, I jumped at the chance to work with this great group of passionate professionals to help more young people in the community. "
Amy also loves that the Boys &Girls Club provides opportunities to engage in a variety of programs, including STEM activities and sports. "Our clubs are a safe and welcoming place for everyone."
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Amy's vision for the Boys & Girls Club is that "every kid who goes through our program feels prepared, supported, and empowered to pursue their education and career goals. " Her best piece of advice for Club members, "if you have the power to make someone happy, do it!" |
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A Big Win For the Boys & Girls Club |
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In 2022, the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle received a $1,000 grant from Gatorade that was designated by Gatorade's West Virginia High School Football Player of the year Hudson Clement from Martinsburg.
In 2024, Hudson's brother Murphy, who was just named Gatorade's West Virginia High School Football Player of the year, designated his $1,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club as well.
We truly appreciate these two young men for supporting us and our kids (as is evidence by their recent visit to the Martinsburg Club.)
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Families at the Martinsburg/Berkeley County Club now have the opportunity to take home fresh, perishable food thanks to a grant from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Maytag Feel Good Fridge. The Club received the Feel Good Fridge along with $8,000 to keep it stocked with fresh, healthy foods for Club families.
For years, the Club has supported families who struggle with food security by offering non-perishable items as part of its partnership with Mountaineer Food Bank. The addition of the Feel Good Fridge allows the Club to expand its offerings to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other perishable food options.
"This is a great opportunity to not only expand services for our families but also to continue to partner with our community to offer locally-grown produce," said Amber Glennon, Director of Grants and Operations.
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Support Our Champion for Youth Dinner
Celebrating Kay Barkwill
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Round Up For the Boys & Girls Club |
Please remember there is an easy way to give to the Boys & Girls Club: round up!
A "Round-Up" is the term to describe the spare change captured by automatically rounding up your transactions to the next dollar when making a purchase with your bank card. Your bank account probably won't even notice the difference - but our club will!
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The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle relies on donors to help us keep our doors open. |
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Our Mission: To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
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