Campaign to Gain

Youth-serving organizations suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did the children themselves: at a time when they should be growing physically, academically, socially and emotionally, their world suddenly became restricted to home. Schools, parks, beaches, and friends’ homes were suddenly off-limits. However, in March 2020 when much of the world shut down, the staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach opened their hearts and minds to create a new way to support local youth at a time when they needed the club the most. Using the Zoom platform, club staff created a Virtual Club Experience that helped members and their entire family stay connected with peers, make new friends, and receive emotional support from staff. Our Virtual Clubhouse provided all of the children in Laguna Beach and its surrounding communities (not just our members) with an on-line learning experience free of charge. When the club reopened for in-person programming, the dedicated staff created activities and programs that would keep children engaged in a fun, safe environment that adhered to CDC and state health and safety guidelines. The staff plays such an important role in the lives of our young members: each staff/member relationship serves as an antidote to the stressful emotional repercussions of this crisis. Because of lost income from membership fees and fundraising events and the need to hire additional staff and PPE to meet CDC guidelines, the club has suffered financially. The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach is committed to ensuring that our community youth continue to feel connected and heard; to addressing their social, emotional, and physical needs; and to guaranteeing that their development is not on hold while we face the challenges presented by this crisis. Please consider being a part of our efforts by contributing to our Campaign to Gain fundraising event. All funds will go directly to programs that support our community’s young people, helping them to thrive and succeed both now and in the future. Thank you.