Sean C. Morgan
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam is aiming to raise $150,000 during a fund-raising campaign called “Keep the Blue Doors Open” to cover operational expenses.
“It’s really in light of the fact that the giving from the local community has dropped significantly in both cities,” said Dave Bauer, Sweet Home branch manager. “The economy has a lot to do with it.”
The Blue Doors campaign is in addition to the two major auctions the club hosts annually, Lebanon in the spring and Sweet Home in the fall.
The club’s operating budget is $1.4 million, Bauer said, “so we go out and try to find as many grants as possible.”
But again money is tight, and grant funds are fewer.
Along with its clasped hands logo, the Blue Door is a national symbol for the Boys and Girls Club, Bauer said. Signs have been posted in high-traffic areas in both Sweet Home and Lebanon, and visitors to local banks will see blue doors with fliers about the campaign.
“It’s mainly to raise awareness for the need for additional funding,” Bauer said. It’s designed to help the club with its regular local donations.
“Regular giving is way down,” Bauer said. “We’d like to encourage people to consider some kind of regular donation to the club and get people on a pledge. No amount is too small.”
With the club feeling the pinch, it had to raise its membership fee last year from $20 to $30 and begin charging an after-school fee of $45 per year, which may be paid monthly.
The idea is to support the children who use the club, Bauer said. “Many of these kids don’t have safe places to be. Many of these kids don’t get a regular meal.”
The club provides a safe place and opportunities, he said.
“Our mission is to help create viable citizens who contribute to the community and give these kids hope for a bright future.”
The club provides educational programs and help with homework, Bauer said. The club gives them career building opportunities and teaches finances.
It provides social opportunities, teaching children teamwork and social skills, he said.
“We’ve made some changes to our program to help provide security around structured play,” Bauer said. The club now has staff running games and activities, and they’re involved with the children more.
Junior high and high school students now have their own activities at their schools, while elementary students are at the club, Bauer said. Separating the older children is something some parents have wanted, and in Lebanon, where it has already happened, membership has increased.
The club is seeking a new location to house the junior high and high school programs.
Right now, the club has 298 members, with an average attendance last week of 126 and two weeks ago of 132.
For more information, to donate or to get involved, visit bgcgreatersantiam.org or call (541) 367-6421.
The club has a new branch committee, which is meant to help improve service to the children of Sweet Home, Bauer said. It has 10 members now, but it is open to additional members.
It serves as a “kind of brainstorming pool,” and its members are the eyes and ears of the club in the community, reporting positive and negative input.