Businesses are temporarily closed, and events and programs have been cancelled or put on hold.
Some organizations, however, continue to offer services and support during the Coronavirus outbreak. The Boys & Girls Clubs are among them.
Last month, the Hylton Boys & Girls Club in Dale City reopened to children of essential workers.
“The thing that I’m most proud about with Boys & Girls Club is that — at a time where a lot of people kind of … blended into the background — we stepped forward with a heavy emphasis on virtual programming, where we’re serving 500 kids a day and rising,” said Jim Almond, senior vice president of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
Almond added that staff are running programs at three sites, including two in Maryland and the one in Dale City.
Programs offered at the locations focus on a variety of topics, including homework assistance, socialization skills, and recreation.
The club is facing some obstacles, one being the concern parents have expressed about sending their children out during the Coronavirus.
To address this, the non-profit has been educating the public about actions it’s taking.
In addition to cleaning every day, the staff is enforcing social distancing. No more than nine kids and one staff member may be in a room at one time.
Parents aren’t allowed to enter the building, and the temperatures of the children are checked before they come inside.
Funding has been another challenge for the Boys & Girls Club.
The club received some donations, which has allowed it to give out scholarships. However, additional funding is needed for scholarships.
It costs a minimum of $200 per week for a child to attend the club.
Businesses who are willing to provide meals once a week for a month are needed, as well.
Anyone interested making a donation or being a food provider can email Almond at jalmond@bgcgw.org, or email Senior Director Of Operations for the Virginia region of the Boys & Girls Clubs Of Greater Washington Nadia Pedersen at npedersen@bgcgw.org.
