Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County enrollment rises by 700 children

McKinney, Texas, February 19, 2007 - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County is now serving more disadvantaged children across its five branches in Plano, Frisco and McKinney than ever before. The non-profit organization now provides quality programs and services to 4,500 children, up from 3,800 children in 2007.

The jump in attendance was made possible in part by donations made from the community and BGCCC board members and staff during the 2007 It Just Takes One campaign. The annual campaign raises unrestricted funds to cover operating expenses at each branch. The 2007 campaign raised over $107,000, surpassing the campaign goal of $100,000.

The 2008 It Just Takes One Campaign kicked off on February 19 with the fundraising goal set again at $100,000. These funds will be used toward general operating expenses necessary to run the organization successfully and provide the highest level of quality programming for its children. The Boys & Girls Clubs' nationally-recognized programs are focused on the development of character and leadership, education and career skills, health and life skills as well as providing Club members the opportunity to experience the arts, sports fitness and recreation.

"While the BGCCC depends greatly on corporate support, it is also crucial that individuals from the communities we serve make a commitment to the children from their communities," Angie Toles, BGCCC director of outreach, said. "Individual donations, both large and small, make a tremendous impact in the number of children we can serve. There are thousands of disadvantaged children in Collin County that we need to reach and with the community’s support, we will."

Other positive outcomes from the 2007 campaign include the creation of three major new programs in gang prevention, graduation assistance, and technology; the acquisition of a new 17,000 square foot facility for children and teenagers in Frisco that will more than double current space and number of youth served there; a remodel of the McKinney gymnasium; the addition of a new 12-passenger van and 29-passenger bus to the BGCCC transportation fleet; and the establishment of a new Teen Center in McKinney to serve more youth between the ages of 13 and 18.

"Growing up in today's world isn't easy for any child, but for many kids in our community, it is tougher than you may think," Jim Duggan, BGCCC board member and 2008 It Just Takes One campaign chair, said. "All young people struggle with making friends and fitting in, but what if you also had to worry about where your next meal was coming from, or about finding a safe place to study, play and learn during the vulnerable hours after school when parents are still at work. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, we envision a world where every child is given the opportunity to succeed in life and experience a brighter future. "

For more information about the 2008 It Just Takes One campaign or to donate to the campaign online, visit www.bgccc.org or, call Angie Toles, BGCCC director of outreach at 214-544-8924.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) actively influences the lives of more than 4,500 children each year, making the community a better, safer and more productive place for all citizens. Five locations in McKinney, Frisco and Plano provide a variety of programs designed to promote education, healthy lifestyles, career and social skills, improving the lives of thousands of local children and their families. The BGCCC provides daily mentorship from caring, qualified adults after school and during the summer. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the BGCCC has changed the lives of children and teenagers of Collin County for the better since 1968.