VOLUNTEERS SERVE WITH PURPOSE
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach serves as a rewarding and joyful place for those seeking volunteer or community service opportunities. Many people in the community, from various backgrounds and demographics, flock to the boys and girls clubs to volunteer their time and talents and have touched or changed a child’s life in some way.
With the club’s two branches offering plenty of areas in need of a helping hand, the organization logged an astounding 45,000 community service hours in 2009. The support of this remarkable volunteer effort and selfless spirit continues to grow in these days of increased need and is a major part of the club’s solid structure.
The immense assembly of Club volunteers is quite eclectic. Made up of so many talented and giving individuals, everyone finds a place to serve at the Boys & Girls Club.
Community advocates, residents of Laguna Beach, and parents of club kids, past and present, all come together with one purpose; to help provide a great place for the kids, the future of Laguna Beach. A large group of volunteers derive from our local high school and junior colleges looking to fulfill community service requirements; most come back and often apply for employment with the organization after their commitment is fulfilled.
Corporate businesses have jumped aboard the volunteer train; they see the value of “giving back” and have therefore encouraged their employees to volunteer. Dave Marshall, of Wingnuts Restaurant in Aliso Viejo offers extra incentives to his employees who volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and has provided over 50 volunteers within the last few years.
The club is also home to 3 very special senior volunteers looking to help in specific areas. One of them is Niko Theris. At 80+ years young, Niko has been visiting the club’s Teen center for a year and is now a permanent figure in the teen club culture. They even created a Wii character after him. The love the kids have for these very special people is immeasurable.
At the Main and TLC Branch, volunteers have a variety of options to work in the clubs various areas, rooms and departments. They can tutor students in the education room, read to Kindergarteners, coach a sports team or simply come in and play games with the members. Some have taught classes such as dance and theater for years, at no cost to the members or the club. Both branches, the club staff, members and their families have greatly benefited from the extra help and hands the volunteers give.
The Club is currently working on restructuring the Volunteer Program by participating in a pilot program created by The Boys & Girls Club of America. Through this program, the organization hopes to open up more opportunities to serve the children and work directly with our volunteers to make the experience beneficial for all involved. Contact Sara Dean, Assistant Director of the Main Branch, to inquire about The Boys & Girls Club’s volunteer opportunities.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach provides over 30 engaging and enriching after school and summer programs that help build character, creativity, academic success, healthy behaviors and teamwork in young people. The Annual Club Membership fee is only $150 and $50 monthly program fees. The Club serves 5-18 year olds from Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and the surrounding communities. For more information, please call 949-494-2535.
