One of my favorite movies (and books!) at Christmas is “A Christmas Carol.” It’s a story about learning what’s really important in life, about second chances, giving back and leaving the world better than you found it. All of these themes are at the heart of our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County, which works year-round to help families in our area. During the holiday season we all like to give just a bit more. That’s why the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County has their Holiday Helpers program. Sign up now to adopt a local family that needs a heartfelt lift this season.
“63% of the families we serve qualify for a fee waiver scholarship based on their family size and income level,” shares Shellica Trevino, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. “This means paying for their regular expenses can be challenging. The holidays can be especially difficult, making gift purchasing outside of the scope of what they can do. Sponsors supporting families in need means the rent can be paid, food can be purchased, the car has gas, and the kids get to be excited about a new toy, pair of shoes, and an outfit that fits them! It gives our community members a chance to help someone else, which is a gift of its own.”
Something as simple as a new pair of shoes and a game to play can make a child’s holiday. “Thanks to the Boys and Girls Club, my daughters and I were able to experience a wonderful holiday season that I could never have provided for them on my own,” shares an Adopt-A-Family recipient. “The connections we made within our community through this program brought us essential items and joyful gifts, making a significant difference during a difficult time. I sincerely appreciate your generosity and support.”
Adopt-A-Family in Thurston County This Holiday Season
Donors are needed now! You can sign up by emailing the Boys & Girls Clubs at info@bgctc.org. The Club is already collecting information from the families in need. The families fill out an information form, indicating important things like clothing sizes, shoe sizes, school supply needs and wish list items from their kids. This makes it easy you to get the items that are sure to fit their family. Once you are matched with a family, you get to do the fun part – present shopping!
“Annually, this program services between 160-200 individuals,” shares Shellica. And it doesn’t stop at the holiday season. “While this program helps families during the holidays, it also allows Club leadership to build relationships with Club parents and guardians, so when other needs arise during the year, the rapport they have developed gives way for families to speak with Club staff about their other needs, allowing the Club to provide wrap-around support to families who need it.”
In addition, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is accepting donations of new essential needs items including shampoo and conditioner (all hair types), bar soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, dish soap and more.
“I am incredibly thankful for the gift of hope that Adopt-a-Family has provided,” another Adopt-A-Family recipient shares. “I faced numerous hardships that felt overwhelming, including a loss of income that resulted in losing my vehicle, my home, and my job. I found myself in a challenging living situation with strangers, cramped for space.”
And don’t forget about Giving Tuesday! On December 3, 2024, we can all take a bit of extra time to make donations to our favorite nonprofits that do so much to help our community. Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County serves over 1,500 youth each year, providing mentorship, a safe place to connect with others, play and also receive school help. They rely on community support to continue their work. “A donation of any size goes toward helping us serve the kids and teens who need us most,” shares Shellica.
If you are a Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County member and would like to apply for assistance, contact your branch director at your Club.
You can donate at any time on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County website. Remember to email info@bgctc.org to sign up to adopt-a-family. Let’s make the holidays a bit brighter for those around us and keep the spirit of the season in our hearts year-round.
