Cashflow Problems for the Faulkner County Boys and Girls Club

An organization that helps hundreds of children stay out of trouble after school is in a bit of trouble itself. The Faulkner County Boys and Girls Club of America says it`s strapped for cash. The Club has three units, one each in Conway, Greenbrier, and Vilonia. The cashflow problem has one Vilonia mother concerned. "I know they`re safe there. I know that someone there helps them do their homework," said Letitia Taylor. "There`s a structure there. There`s kids that play games, someone there that teaches them team support." So she and her daughter, Brianna, are trying to help raise awareness, and eventually money. They made dozens of posters and flyers, to tell the rest of the town that the Vilonia Boys and Girls club needs money. It`s a problem shared by the other two units as well. "They raised the membership rates from 8 to 25 this year. We, as parents, thought that that had solved it," Taylor said. The Club`s board president says the club has been running in deficit for the last three years. Last year`s was $40,000. Employees, he said, make up about 75% of their total expenses. President Tim McKenna says rumors about closing the Vilonia Boys and Girls Club just aren`t true. But if the three units in Vilonia, Greenbrier, and Conway can`t raise enough money for all of them, they may have to consider it. "And there are families that cannot afford day care. We lose this, where are they gonna go," Taylor said. Taylor`s daughter plays basketball and finishes her homework after school at the Vilonia Boys and Girls Club. "I like it because most of my friends go there, and it`s better than just being home alone," said 11-year old Brianna Stamps. While she may not be left home alone, her mother worries that some of her friends might be. Board members are having an open meeting Monday evening, March 29th. It`s at the Bob Nabholz Boys and Girls Club on Deer Street in Conway at 5:30. The executive committe will tell the board about the fundraising needed to get all three units back in the black.