When you think of a club, you probably imagine disco balls hanging from the ceiling, but instead, Saline County businesses are working to keep a club funded that prepares children to become leaders.
Several businesses have come together to help the Bryant Boys & Girls Club make sure kids continue to have a safe place to go after school.
“It definitely takes a village,” said Karissa McDonald, club staff member.
The club is a non-profit organization that’s been around for 15 years now.
While gathering this story, THV11's very own Jordan Howington found her own hand-prints painted on the wall at the place that helped mold her more than a decade ago.
"It's not possible with the staff or just one person,” said McDonald.
The club is working hard to keep children on their toes, providing innovative ways to learn, food to eat, and activities like cooking, yoga, and STEM classes.
And for many of them, the club is their safe place.
"Kids that we see, the majority of them come from single parent homes or broken homes," said McDonald.
It’s businesses like Riggs Outdoors of Benton that keep the club’s doors open.
"What's happening with our kids, are they eating three meals a day?” asked Jason McDonald, Senior Vice President of Riggs.
McDonald said after touring the club, the company noticed the need for it to continue serving.
So, employees throughout the company often give a portion of their paycheck to the company’s own foundation, which then often ends up in the hands of the Boys & Girls Club.
"We know through the Boys & Girls Club, they are going to be fed, they are going to be challenged physically and mentally,” said McDonald. “Our company is to move dirt, which is our heritage, and to move people. And moving people, we think, is most importantly done with our children.”
Other businesses have stepped on board.
"We are more than happy to help,” said Jim Gibbens, general manager of Bryant Walmart Supercenter. "We've made monetary donations, merchandise, candy, things like art supplies. There’s such a need for this tremendous organization that gives so much to our community. That’s why we give.”
If you would like to get involved to help keep the club open, you can contact the Bryant Boys & Girls Club office.
The organization has this saying: “You can give your time, treasure, or talent.”