The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast has closed its facilities due to the coronavirus pandemic, but their dedicated staff members continue to find ways to stay engaged with youth in the community. Last weekend, staff gathered at the Fort Walton Beach center for two drive-thru giveaways.
“We know these are hard times for our members and their families, and we wanted to spread some Easter cheer,” Shervin Rassa, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, said.
On Saturday, families drove through the center’s parking lot to get one of 75 bags of Easter candy donated by the local CVS Pharmacy. Then they invited everyone back again on Sunday for another giveaway! By Sunday afternoon they had given out 80 bicycles, 30 scooters, toys, games and stuffed animals to more than 100 families.
“We hope these new bikes and scooters make it easier for kids to get outside and stay active while we’re all stuck at home,” Rassa said. “We may not be able to see our kids in the Clubs right now, but it was great to see happy faces as they drove through to pick up their bikes and candy.”
Although facilities are closed, program leaders are continuing to provide virtual programming to members on Facebook and their website, while also connecting via video conference and phone calls. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast serves more than 4,200 students in eight centers across Escambia, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. They work to promote and enhance the development of local boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence through its programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship. Follow the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast on Facebook for updates.
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Boys & Girls Clubs programs have taken Members from the Clubhouse to the White House; from the games room to the corporate boardroom; from the high school football field to the NFL; from a band room to Carnegie Hall. In every community, young people are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. These Clubs are the place where great futures are started each and every day.