Editor:
In response to the recent articles regarding the Boys and Girls Club and coaching ((Oct. 1 and Oct. 15), I decided to cover a few points.
As a fairly recent newcomer to the Sweet Home area, the first thing I would like to do is to thank the Boys and Girls Club for all they do for our community. Where I came from, the cost of child care is extraordinarily high, averaging $11 per day per child in the Boys and Girls Club setting – or roughly, for a family of four, $400 per month, not including any extra-curricular activities. Here, as you well know, the cost is quite minimal per year compared to what they do for our children in regards to childcare, meals, security, extracurricular activities, and academic support.
I feel that people should get their facts straight before making wild accusations and really should be thanking the Boys and Girls Club for keeping their service affordable.
In regards to the coaching staff, coaching is a responsibility of individuals who take the time, patience, and knowledge to be able to help all the children on their team. Granted, the skill level of these individuals vary, mainly due to how much time has been spent with the youth by their parents.
I have coached youths in other states and facilities and have come to the conclusion that the ones who complain are usually the ones that lack the knowledge and compassion to not only teach others, but also their own children.
In short, I want to again thank the Boys and Girls Club for all they provide for our community. Rather than complain, perhaps we as a community should stand behind the Boys and Girls Club and support fund raisers in return for thanking them for all they do for our children.
Steve Olin
Sweet Home