Morgan County raises most money for Boys and Girls Club

story by matthew Burgoyne l photos by Angelina Bellebuono

The citizens of Morgan County were praised Saturday for the vast fundraising efforts for the Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club.
“This community raised more money faster than any other community in our organization,” said Scott Greene, Chairman of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.
The process for the local Boys and Girls Club only began a year ago. Since then, money has been raised, volunteers have been organized and the students of Morgan County have benefited from the organization.
Greene went on to say that this club is the first of its kind because it shares its location with a school. He says that this club will be watched closely to see if this concept works. “I have signed at least 200 ‘Thank You’ notes for the citizens of Morgan County, said Jerry Tipton, President of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. The citizens of Morgan County have embraced the new Boys and Girls Club with open arms.
Joined by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and members of the community, Executive Director of the Madison-Morgan Club, Kimberly Lucas, cut the ribbon opening the doors to the first Boys and Girls Club in the area.
Lucas has been with the Boys and Girls Club for almost 12 years. In her time with the organization, Lucas has helped thousands of young people.
“It’s really rewarding to see them grow and change,” Lucas said.
This growth and change it already apparent in the youth of Morgan County.
“It gives me something else to do other than go home and watch TV,” said Breanna Colbert,12, a 7th grade student at Morgan County Middle School.
Colbert has attended the Boys and Girls Club since its inception on January 3, 2008. Colbert plans to attend throughout high school, hoping to volunteer at some point. Since starting, Colbert’s grades have improved and she has become involved in numerous activities, including the newsletter.
Tery Hicks is the art instructor at the Boys and Girls Club and organized the newsletter. The newsletter features writing samples from some of the club members. Hicks wants to bring any kind of art into the club, ranging from building bird houses to sports photography.
“Art is the icing on the cake of life. Art expresses what most people are feeling,” Hicks said.
The Boys and Girls Club aims to keep children off the streets and allow them to express themselves creatively and academically. The organization gives students opportunities while keeping the parents concerns at ease.
“My momma’s nerves are calming,” said Shaquana Bendford, 14, an 8th grade student at Morgan County Middle School.
Bendford comes to the Boys and Girls Club because it is interesting and it keeps her out of trouble. She hopes to work on the staff this summer behind the welcome desk.      
The Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club is in its beginning stages with only greater things to come. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the local branch of the Boys and Girls Club.