ROBINSON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — A nonprofit organization is coming to Robinson soon.
The Boys & Girls Club of Crawford County will open on January 7. Robinson Chamber of Commerce executive director Lisa Schaefer says it will greatly impact childcare capabilities in the community.
“Those kids that finish up the school day, but their parents may not get off work until five, six o’clock,” Schaefer said. “This will kind of help fill that gap for those youth in our community, which really I feel like is that pivotal age where they can really develop to be good leaders and things like that with some of the programs that Boys & Girls Club has to offer.”
In order to open a club locally, organizers had to generate 3-5 years of operating costs, which totals $1.4 million. Advisory board member Amy Macak says the money will go towards children’s programs for grades K-5.
“It’s academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and citizenship. There’s a huge need here in our community,” Macak said. “Approximately 50 percent of our students are considered low-income, so this is going to help those kids who need it most.”
Macak is also the general manager of the Marathon Refinery, who is leasing its old training building to the Boys & Girls Club for just $10 per year. The building is being renovated by Senco. The construction company’s owner, Chad Brown, says every county should have a Boys & Girls Club.
“Our kiddos have suffered in education and social activity,” Brown said. “There was a time that they weren’t allowed to be around other children. Having those adult mentors in their life, adult influences in their life, and a Boys & Girls Club can gather children of all age groups.”
Officials encourage the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 27 at 1 p.m. CT.
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