Boys & Girls Club Of Laguna Beach Expands With Ongoing Donations

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach sends their regrets. There will be no annual "Night Under The Stars Gala" in 2020. Instead, they are raising awareness for the children of Laguna Beach and Lake Forest with a virtual gathering.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach recently received approval to support Lake Forest families in addition to the work they currently put in for the community. It has taken six years for the plans to take shape, and now with more kids to serve, the need has never been greater.

"Now more than ever before our mission is critical to a flourishing future for our kids and community," says David Carter, spokesperson for the club. "The Boys & Girls Club team has trained and prepared new COVID-19 policies and procedures for our re-opening and has hit the ground running. We are serving kids again!"

Their enthusiasm is palpable, and with it, the need has only increased, according to Carter.

In 2020, the Lake Forest Program grew from a single location to three. "We are currently serving the youth of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo both in person and virtually," Carter says. The costs of building new program locations, additional staff to keep student groups small, PPE needed to keep staff and members safe as well as being able to provide enrichment programs for every child, no matter their finances, are just part of the reasons the group is asking for support.

"Our children need you more than ever before," he writes. "Their worlds have been turned upside down and their social and emotional wellbeing is at stake."

Donations are easy, through a one-time amount, or monthly giving.

Carter poses the idea that this year, there is no need to buy a fancy dress or rent a tuxedo.

There are no funds needed to pay a sitter, or arrange for transportation.

The jewelry can stay in the vault, and no need to spend hours coming or going to the event.

"This year, you can help kids from the comfort of your own home," he said. "All you need to do is give."

"COVID has impacted our youth academically, socially and emotionally," he added. "They need your support this year, more than ever."

Donate directly to the children of Lake Forest through the www.bgclagunabeach.org website, or by mailing a check to:

Care of: Boys & Girls Club Laguna Beach, 1085 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 92651.