Four Corners Boys and Girls Club raises money for struggling families

FARMINGTON, N.M. –  When kids are out for the summer, it can put families in a bind, said Nikki Taylor, the director of development for the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington and Bloomfield. 

“I was a single dad, I had a son, and I didn’t know what I was going to do when he was out of school. I am trying to work and support him, and we hear those stories a lot,” said Taylor. 

For more than 60 years, the Boys and Girls Club of Farmington has provided parents of all different backgrounds a place for the kids to be social.

“Oh, get them out of the house! But for real it gets them out gets them doing stuff, so they are not just sitting around playing video games. There is a bunch of different programs around here, and it works out nicely for all the kids,” Jackie Thornton, a parent who sent all his kids to the club said.

It also works out nicely for families in need. 

“If we can do everything we can to keep our costs low for those that are paying and provide free services to those who can’t afford it we’re going to do everything we can,” Taylor said.

One of those ways is through the Boys and Girls Club Scholarship program, which is gaining popularity. 

“We have families who are struggling maybe even more than ever with the costs of everything and the prices going up and inflation.  We’ve seen an increase in applications and approvals as well,” Taylor added.

The club is hosting its first ever charity motorcycle ride on July 9 to raise money for the scholarship program. 100% of the proceeds raised will support all three clubs in San Juan County. 

As well, the 29^th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament on July 22-23. 

Taylor hopes that between these two events, all families in need can receive free childcare at the Boys and Girls Club.