The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia’s slogan for the last six months has been “Whatever It Takes” due to the increased needs of the community during the COVID pandemic.
Because of COVID, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia had to pivot to meet the needs of the community. From March to August 2020, they distributed over 67,000 dinners to any child ages 5-18 in Columbia, and they continue to provide healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks to area kids. They successfully held a seven-week summer program for 70 kids in stable groups and created an innovative plan using technology to connect with kids at home in a safe, engaging, and fun way.
Miller, Bales & Company, P.C. held a matching campaign during the month of September to raise funds and awareness for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia (BGCC). The campaign raised $23,770 to support the mission of BGCC. MBC clients and friends gave $13,770 with Miller, Bales & Company fulfilling its matching promise of $10,000.
Miller, Bales & Company partners, Sue Miller and Jodi Bales, presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia executive director Valorie Livingston and Community Development Director Kerrie Bloss with a check for $23,770.
“With the increased demand on our resources since COVID, we greatly appreciate the support from our community,” said Valorie Livingston, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia. “Donations like this help provide supplies and opportunities for our kids while they are out of school.”
Donations to the organization help provide healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks, scholarships for a day pod learning center providing virtual learning for kids with support from Club staff, and other member needs.
“We have always recognized the importance of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia to our community. But this year the positive impact they provide is especially true,” said Jodi Bales, financial advisor and Miller, Bales & Company partner. “Due to the pandemic, with the extra time kids have been out of school and an increase in members needing support, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia's resources have become strained. We wanted to help and saw an opportunity to involve our clients and the community — and they stepped up to the challenge. We thank them for helping us achieve this goal and making an impact in the community.”
For over 20 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia has provided a safe place for children to learn and grow. They currently serve over 800 kids at their three locations throughout Columbia and is open during hours that kids are most likely to need a safe place to go – after school and during summer. Participants learn about a variety of careers, academic topics, health and wellness, and the arts; build character and leadership skills; and participate in sports.