News

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BRAZORIA COUNTY CLOSES THE GAP IN TWO CITIES

WITH HOUSTON ENDOWMENT GRANT

(Freeport, Texas) (January 15, 2010) – The Freeport Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County has successfully implemented Club programming in Freeport and Brazoria with a grant from Houston Endowment Inc. The program has been a huge success serving more than 700 young people at the Freeport Branch and the West of the Brazos Unit.

“We are so very grateful to Houston Endowment Inc. for providing funds to underwrite our Club programming,” said Fay Beard, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County. “We were able to offer services to the most at-risk youth in Freeport and Brazoria. The response from our Club kids and their parents has been great.”

Rebecca Reneau, Freeport Branch Director, continued, “The teens have really enjoyed participating in the Club programs at the Branch. We’ve also initiated special Teen Programs that have had great attendance. It’s wonderful we’re able to serve our Members with fun and different programs due to the generosity of Houston Endowment Inc.”

Houston Endowment supports nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that improve life for the people of the greater Houston area. The Foundation funds programs in the arts, community enhancement, education, health, human services, the environment and neighborhood development.

For 38 years the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County, a United Way Agency, has inspired and enabled all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Serving more than 5,500 young people through ten facility-based sites and a variety of programs and services, the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County is the positive place for youth, ages 6 to 18, in our community. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County please contact Fay Beard at the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County at (979) 373-9668 or visit our website at www.bgcbc.com.

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The Walmart Foundation Grant Helps Provide Wholesome Meals for Club Members

Freeport, July 1, 2009 – It is estimated that more than 12 million children who qualify to receive a free or reduced-price lunch during the academic year may be deprived of this vital meal during the summer months when school is out. To help combat that trend locally, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County is the recipient of a little extra help in the form of a $3,000 Summer Servings grant through a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the Walmart Foundation to ensure that Club members have access to nutritious meals and snacks this summer.

“With the current economic downturn, we’ve seen a decline in resources while simultaneously receiving a record number of requests from families and children in need – many of whom have never had to ask for public assistance,” said Fay Beard, Executive Director Boys & Girl Clubs of Brazoria County. “This grant from the Walmart Foundation is greatly appreciated as it comes at a time when so many families are struggling to provide their children with healthy meals this summer. We are able to step up and help our families during these hard economic times.”

The Summer Servings grant will help Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County provide more than 150 members at the Freeport Branch with breakfast, lunch and snacks through its summer food program.

The collaboration between the Walmart Foundation and BGCA, is an example of how private-public partnerships can help alleviate some of the nation’s pressing problems, by combining efforts from corporate, non-profit and governmental sectors to ensure that Americans have access to wholesome meals.

“We continue to see the impact that the economy is having on our neighbors – they are stretching their budgets and looking to us for help in our stores and through our giving,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Hunger relief is a cause that enables our company’s strengths to work for the greater good. From supporting summer feeding programs to donating food, we’re committed to doing all we can to help end hunger for our nation’s children, parents, homeless and all who have found themselves in need.”

The Walmart Foundation is working with BGCA to provide wholesome meals and snacks to more than 93,000 children, who may have otherwise gone without food over the summer. Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County is one of 350 local Boys & Girls Clubs receiving assistance to aid the increasing number of Americans who lean on hunger relief organizations to provide for their families during difficult financial periods.

The funds provided by Walmart are part of its ongoing commitment to help people live better by fighting hunger and supporting U.S. food banks. With a new commitment to providing healthy, summer meals to children who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the school year, the Walmart Foundation is donating $7.8 million to expand its hunger relief efforts, of which BGCA is one of the beneficiaries.

Located at 311 W Fourth, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County provides program opportunities for more than 1,000 boys and girls each year. The Club is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. during summer. Youngsters interested in joining the Club, learning more about summer programs or other youth programs can contact Rebecca Reneau at the Freeport Branch, 979.230.9716 or visit www.bgcbc.com.

For 37 years the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County, a United Way Agency, has inspired and enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County provides a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, hope and opportunity. Serving more than 5,000 young people through twelve facility-based sites and a variety of programs and services, the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County is the positive place for youth, ages 6 to 18, in our community. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County please contact Fay Beard at the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County at (979) 373-9668 or visit our website at www.bgcbc.com.

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids "Be Great," providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military bases worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.