Philanthropic gifts have slowed as businesses and individuals remain uncertain about the changing economy. With shifting priorities at the federal and state levels, critical sources of funding for both public and private children’s programs, including nutrition programs, are either no longer available or are in jeopardy.
Organizations that support the Delta’s youth, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, are among the nonprofits facing economic uncertainty.
More than 800 young children and teens spend their summer days learning, playing, and sharing meals with friends at a local Boys and Girls Club in towns such as Cleveland, Clarksdale, Greenwood, Jonestown, Grenada, Itta Bena, and Lexington.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta is serving more children than ever before. The Boys and Girls Club’s summer programs offers children and teens a safe space where they feel a sense of belonging and can grow, learn, and play.
Children like 12-year-old Jeremiah enjoy spending their summer days with cousins, siblings, old friends and new friends at the Cleveland location of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta.
“I get excited every day I’m here because there are so many kids that I don’t see every day, and I get to see them when I come. This program gives me the opportunity to come here and just have fun and be creative with my friends,” he said.
Cyrinity, age 10, describes a typical day at her local Club that includes breakfast, classroom work, computer lab, creative activities and outdoor play time.
“I come here with my friends, and I look forward to going outside to play with them,” she said. “Our teachers and the other people who work here are all very nice.”
Ensuring Jeremiah, Cyrinity and hundreds of other Delta children continue to enjoy a safe and fun learning environment this summer requires that we rely even more than usual on the generosity of our fellow Mississippi Deltans.
We are grateful to the partners who have stepped up to help us provide healthy meals and snacks every day. However, despite this assistance, we are facing a shortfall. We anticipate a summer program deficit of $30,000 or more due to rising food costs and a decrease in federal support
Can we rely on your help?
To donate today, send your donation to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, P.O. Box 1718, Greenwood, MS 38930.
For more information about other donation opportunities, including recurring gifts, please email ddallas@bgcmsdelta.org.
Doreen Muzzi is a journalist, public realtions writer, photographer and farmer.