To the Editor,

Our community is incredible! Thanks to generous individuals and businesses, as well as some inspired and fun collection events held by the Warwick Police Department and Warwick Police Athletic League (WPAL), nearly 300 children and adolescents living in low-income families found presents under their tree this past Christmas morning.

It truly is a miracle that year after year during the holidays people bring toys, games, clothing and more to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick so we can provide struggling parents, grandparents and guardians with the experience of picking out gifts for their children –  free.

We tell everyone who makes BGCW’s Holiday Shop possible that their thoughtful donation represents more than a present under a tree – it is a message that says someone genuinely cares.  For families facing financial hardships it is a significant stress-reliever; for kids it is pure joy.

Caring for kids and supporting families of all income levels – but with particular emphasis for those who struggle most, is what the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick is all about – every day, all year long. We have never turned away a parent who has completed a financial aid form. And most recently we gave free tuition to a mom who is a victim of domestic violence.

The Holiday Shop is just one of the many things we do. We are widely known for keeping kids safe with trained and caring supervision before and after school. We serve our Oakland Beach members daily meals and our Norwood members snacks. We offer unparalleled music and other artistic opportunities at our Club at Cooper for middle schoolers. We deliver homework help, STEM projects and other life-enhancing programming at all three of our branches to help students succeed in school. We also run popular basketball leagues, provide mentors to help kids better navigate life, initiatives to control mental health, and artistic and athletic activities that are just plain fun! The list of what we do goes on and on because we are agile and react quickly to provide kids with the supports they need at the moment.

But like our Holiday Shop, we cannot offer essential care and programming for children and teens without help from our big-hearted and charitable community. Right now we need support for our annual campaign. Your donation of any amount will help ensure we remain available for youth who need us most, and for parents who rely on us so they can go to work knowing their child is safe.

If you are financially able to do it, please consider making a gift today. Visit wbgclubs.org or mail a check to BGCW PO Box 8938, Warwick, RI 02888.

Your donation is a meaningful present that will last a lifetime.

Lara D’Antuono

Chief Executive Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick