WAILUKU - The Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui has received $10,555.55 from Macy's Thanks for Sharing Campaign and $7,500 from the Atherton Family Foundation of the Hawai'i Community Foundation.
The funds are appreciated given difficult economic times in which nonprofit groups are looking for all support they can amass from the community, said Colin Hanlon, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui.
Macy's fundraising programs and donations from customers led to the gift, a news release said.
While the Macy's donation will be used for general purposes, the Atherton grant will support the agency's information technology plan by allowing acquisition of computer equipment.
"Much of the technology has become outdated and inadequate for both the quantity of youth we are trying to serve and the quality of the programs we are trying to facilitate," Hanlon said. "We can now put essential tools in the hands of staff that work with the youth members."
Serving Maui since 1989 as youth centers and chartering in 2000 to become an affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Maui program operates in West Maui, Upcountry, Haiku and Central Maui, and at Kahekili Terrace and on Hawaiian Home Lands in Paukukalo. There also are several outreach sites.
"Today, over 4,000 boys and girls at risk and in need are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services . . . (and) they benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures and reach their goals," Hanlon said.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, go to the Web site www.bgcmaui.org or call 242-4363.
