Mary Pierczynski: Help Boys & Girls Clubs meet donation challenge

One of the great benefits of living in Carson City is being part of a community where people support one another and where the youth of our community are a priority. I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada for over 10 years, both in my role as an educator and superintendent in the school system as well as a member of the Board of Directors. The club provides thousands of hours of educational support to our youth each year. In addition, it provides youth development programs that inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring individuals.

It is no secret that the economy has had an impact on the citizens of Carson City including the youth in our community. During these difficult times, the Boys and Girls Club has become a safe haven for an increasing number of our young people. Membership in the club has increased 26 percent this year over last year. On average, 375 young people attend the club every day.

While it is great that these youth are provided with the opportunities and programs the club has to offer, this high attendance rate results in the need for additional personnel to supervise the youth activities. The result in an increased financial burden on the club.

In order to help us meet the increased costs facing the club this year, an anonymous donor has pledged up to $50,000 to help support the club if the club can match that amount by Dec. 31. If you are able, or if you know someone who may be able to help us in our efforts to meet this challenge by the end of the year, please contact Hal Hansen, our club chief professional officer, at 882-8820 or HalH@bgcwn.org. Remember that any amount donated will be doubled and will allow the club to continue to meet the ever-increasing demand for services.

Working together, we can continue to provide a safe environment for our young people. We want to thank the citizens of Carson City who have been so generous in the past and have helped us keep the doors of the club open. We hope that once again, Carson City residents will be able to help.

• Mary Pierczynski is chief volunteer officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada.