(San Juan, Puerto Rico, October 23, 2020) With the slogan “In difficult times, helping is KIDS easy”, the nonprofit organization Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico (BGCPR) presents the end-of-year fundraising campaign. Individuals and companies are encouraged to donate so BGCPR continues providing virtual services during the pandemic to children and youth living in poverty while it prepares to reopen its 11 Clubs.
“The spirit of solidarity and empathy of our people is noble by nature and does not seek any compensation other than helping those most in need. Every donation brings hope for a better future to the more than 12,000 children and who participate in our programs and services annually”, said Olga Ramos Carrasquillo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico president.
Six out of every ten children in Puerto Rico live in poverty. “In our communities, however, this number increases to nine out of ten. With the pandemic, the daily challenges and inequities that our families were experiencing, such as technological and digital gaps, have been magnified. Our efforts are aimed at closing these, as well as the educational and social gaps that have been exacerbated during the last three years in our vulnerable communities”. Ramos said.
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico adapted their services such as tutoring, homework assistance, leadership development and family support into a virtual format. Only the daily hot meals, are offered in person in the grab-and-go mode, which has reached over 60,162 people so far.
“As we respond to the immediate needs of our children and youth, we prepare to reopen our Clubs, where our participants feel physically safe, find a sense of belonging, feel that their ideas count and are recognized. Giving them hope for a better future is the best gift they can receive in the face of the festive season that awakens so much enthusiasm in them”, Ramos pointed out.
To join the “In difficult times, helping is KIDS easy” campaign and contribute to the positive impact of Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico on over 12,000 children, youth and their families annually, visit donate.bgcpr.org or make your donation through ATH Mobile: BoysandGirlsClubsdePR You can also access bgcpr.org or facebook.com/BGCPR for additional information.