BGCC takes part in ‘Lights on Afterschool’ event
The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress took part in “Lights on Afterschool”, a nationwide event that was created to celebrate the achievements of afterschool students. The event draws attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon. The Club’s event was one of more than 8,000 such events across the nation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, “Lights On Afterschool” has been celebrated annually since 2000.
Activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress for the day included fun an appearance from Cypress Police Department Community Outreach Office Julie Marquez with her robot police car, Donut. Officer Marquez and Donut shared important information about drug prevention and living and healthy lifestyle and youth members loved being able to speak with a talking car. Additionally, members participated in a physical fitness field day and did activities centered around why they love their Club.
At the Club King Afterschool Program, operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress, Club children and parents were treated to a dance party, games, nachos, and hot dogs. Families also donated supplies to the program to be entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Recent data from the America After 3PM Report, commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance, shows a vast unmet demand for afterschool programs nationwide. In California, 25 percent of all children participate in an afterschool program, yet 41 percent would be enrolled if a program were available. Further, 90 percent of California’s parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program and agree that afterschool programs give working parents peace of mind. More work needs to be done to meet the great need for afterschool programs that keep California’s kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.
The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress serves over 1,700 youth each year; providing a safe, fun, and educational place for youth afterschool and during summer break. To ensure that no child is ever turned away for inability to pay, the Club applies for grants, requests donations from individuals and businesses, and hosts fundraising events. Without the Club, many children would be home alone after school. Instead, they are able to participate in activities that help them to succeed in school, adopt healthy lifestyles, and demonstrate good character and citizenship.
For more information, stop by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit the website at www.bgccypress.org. Contributions are needed throughout the year and can be mailed to Boys & Girls Club of Cypress 10161 Moody Street, Cypress CA 90630.
Courtesy photos