For the months of July & August, Karin’s Florist would like to commemorate the accomplishments of a local Fairfax County region of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Order the Helping Hands Bouquet today and a portion of the proceeds will benefit this wonderful organization.
The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington was established in 1886 and has since grown to over 21,000 members. Their mission, to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, “build confidence, develop character and acquire the skills needed to become productive, civic-minded, responsible adults”, is one that is accomplished every day because of their numerous educational programs and the incredibly dedicated volunteers. Of the club sites found throughout Virginia, Maryland and the DC area, three of the club locations are right here in Fairfax County. They have been able to provide programs where children have access to a range of activities that best express leadership, character education, academic development, health and life skills, and the arts.
The first club site to be founded was the Culmore Character Club in Falls Church,Virginia. The club was formed in 1993 in response to concerns of the community who had noticed an increase of unsupervised children in the area. By 2006, with the help of the Northern VA Gang Task Force and the Fairfax County Public Schools, a second club site was opened at the Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon. In cooperation with Fairfax County public housing, the region’s third club opened its doors a year later in 2007 at Murraygate Village along Route 1 in Alexandria.
Responsible for the overall operation of the clubs, the Fairfax County Board of Directors are committed to providing a fun, safe, positive place for kids. They deliver effective programs through collaborative partnerships, and have become an integral part of the network of services for youth in Fairfax County.
The clubs have become a friendly, safe environment where children from all backgrounds are welcome to complete their school work, participate in character building classes, and just enjoy the company of their friends. Last year alone 95% of the club members improved their school grades and 100% of high school seniors have graduated over the past ten years, either choosing to follow a career path or continue with their education.
This year, the region is celebrating their 20th year of club operation in Fairfax County and the proceeds from the Helping Hands arrangement will directly benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Fairfax County Region. For more information on any of the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Clubs in the Fairfax area or find out how you can help by volunteering your time, visit their website at www.fairfaxbgcgw.org.
