REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- The Boys and Girls Club is making sure every child has a safe, fun, place to learn every day.
At the Rehoboth Beach unit, the club is open year round from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Children get healthy snacks, recreational activities, mentorship, and homework help.
"A lot of the parents would tell you if we weren't here they don't know where their child would be," says Rehoboth Beach Unit Director Demaris Miller, who says 80 percent of the club's attendees are below the poverty level. "I can tell you and its backed up by data that some of our kids improved two reading grade levels over the summer going into school."
During Christmas, the club becomes the North Pole. Bless our Children donations, in part, help fulfill Christmas wish lists that each child writes.
"Through that campaign we are able to get those necessities or those toys those kids want," Miller tells WRDE. "We can't go overboard. However, we can get as close as we can to what they want for Christmas. [...] It's just seeing the happiness, the joy, the thank yous. I mean I've seen parents cry. I have teared up myself. It's awesome that we are able to help them through you guys."
Miller says donations help year round programs as well. If you are interested in joining the club, Miller says they accept purchase of care, and some scholarships may be available.
More information on the Boys and Girls Clubs across the state can be found here.
