We invite you to also do your part, and purchase your square foot for as little as $25 each. Your gift will help promote the legacy of hope and opportunity for youth.  Square Feet may be inscribed with your name, or purchase one or more in honor or memory of loved ones and friends.  Each owner will receive a personalized Certificate of Good Deed and have an inscribed display with the holder’s name permanently displayed at the new Club.  You will leave a legacy to be recognized for generations!

For more information about purchasing your square feet contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956. 383.2582, swalker@edinburgkids.com or log onto www.edinburgkids.com.

First Lady Michelle Obama recently launched a new campaign, Let’s Move, designed to eliminate childhood obesity in a generation.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but we don’t have time to wait,” said Mrs. Obama.

Combating childhood obesity will be quite an undertaking, considering that the number of obese children in the U.S. has quadrupled since 1960. Most obese adolescents become obese adults, setting the stage for dangerous health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer. Currently, some 32 percent of America’s children are overweight or obese.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV, we understand the urgency of this situation. For the last 39 years, we have been on the front lines in the battle against childhood obesity. Through programs such as Triple Play, we teach young people how to not only eat better, but also increase the number of hours they spend engaging in physical activity and strengthen their abilities to form healthy relationships.

We know these programs work. An independent, in-depth study by Youth Development Strategies, Inc. shows that Triple Play participants, especially girls, significantly increased their daily amount of physical activity compared to their peers outside the program. In addition, participating Boys & Girls Club members have shown an increase in overall nutrition knowledge and feeling of control over their own lives.

Despite these encouraging results, there is still a long way to go to solve the childhood obesity epidemic. As Mrs. Obama said during her press conference announcing the initiative, every American has a part to play in resolving this issue, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, medical professionals, as well as parents and schools. Each of us has a stake in this battle – whether it’s because of a personal connection with someone who is struggling with these issues, or simply a desire to reduce health care costs. That means we all can, and must, play a role in solving this problem.

Eating well, exercising regularly and making good lifestyle choices help lay the foundation for success. Studies prove that a healthy lifestyle keeps young minds more alert, and can also boost confidence and self-esteem. 

Solving this dangerous problem is a tall order. But it can be done if we lead by example, encourage our children to become more physically active and support local youth development organizations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs.

If we all play a part, we can ensure long, healthy lives for generations to come.

If you would like to donate gently used clothing, toys, electronics, or household items call 956.383.2582.

Boys & Girls Clubs Week celebrates what the Club’s offer and the positive influence caring adults has on the lives of youth every day.

“Many kids only see our fire and police officers when there is a crisis”, said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV, “We wanted to provide a positive environment where the kids, firemen and police officers could interact.  The kids were really impressed that they took the time from their schedules to serve them.”

The ‘servers’ not only assisted in food preparation but they also served over 120 meals and drinks to the Club kids.  In the course of their interaction with the kids, firemen and police officers asked, “What is it like being a police officer?” How Can I be a fireman when I grow up?” The firemen and Police Officers took the time to answer each question. 

Ubaldo Perez, Deputy Fire Chief for the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department, reveals his fondness for the club kids when he says “This has been an awarding experience for me.  Each kid has a different approach when they want more then their have of cup of cool-aid. They forget they have a red ring around their mouth as evidence that they have been served!”

A fun way to help kids save the planet!

EDINBURG (April 1, 2010)  In a countdown to Earth Day April 22, 2010, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV kicked off their Saving the Earth Craft Series with a session on How to Make Recycled Paper.   The craft series, designed to show kids a creative way to reduce, reuse and recycle demonstrates that they have the opportunity to make wise choices by recycling for a better lifestyle.  Future sessions include Sea Life Creatures, Grand father’s Kite, Best Friend Puzzle Necklace, and 60 Second Hats.  At each session kids will read about and discuss home “Energy Conservation Tips” courtesy of Magic Valley Electric Cooperative.

Each of the after school sites: Club 2020 El Tule Unit-702 South 18^th Street, Brewster Longhorn Unit-Brewster School, Sam Risica Unit-900 S. Sugar Rd La Posada Housing Authority, and  the Fountain Annex Unit 1210 E. Kuhn Street will be hosting sessions of the Saving the Earth Craft Series.  For the dates and times of the session nearest you please call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.

Edinburg, Texas (March 23, 2010) – From March 24 – April 6, shoppers at the JCPenney in Edinburg are invited to “round-up” their purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV to support quality afterschool programs in their community. JCPenney has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV to provide children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that foster their academic, physical and social development.

“The availability of affordable afterschool programs continues to be an important community objective in order to meet the needs of working families,” said Sabrina Walker Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer.  “As customers shop for the Easter season, we hope they will keep our mission in mind by rounding-up their purchases to benefit a local cause.” All funds raised from JCPenney’s “Round-up” campaign will make it possible for more local youth to participate in Boys & Girls Club’s afterschool programming, which includes the SHINE program which allows transportation from designated schools and the ability to provide a free meal and snack to participants through Kids Cafe. 

Recent studies show that more than a quarter of America’s school children are on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.* More parents seek the resources to enroll their children in a beneficial afterschool program that help kids develop social skills, provide opportunities to be physically active and achieve academic success in school. JCPenney’s continuing support and commitment to the afterschool cause and has made it possible more children to participate in positive afterschool environments nationwide.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 39 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and Hidalgo County United Way Agency.

About JCPenney’s Commitment to Afterschool

As the leading corporate advocate for the afterschool issue, JCPenney works to increase opportunities offered by afterschool programs in order to empower our nation’s children with the tools they need to succeed in life. Through its legacy of supporting youth and charitable organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA of the USA, National 4-H, United Way and FIRST, JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool issue by making it the Company’s signature cause in 1999. Since its inception, more than $80 million has been distributed to afterschool programs in every JCPenney community thereby making it possible for more kids to participate in life-enriching programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible. For more information, visit www.jcpenneyafterschool.org.

* Data from Afterschool Alliance 2009 report America After 3PM, commissioned by JCPenney Afterschool, is the most in-depth study of how America’s children spend their afternoons.

For further information contact:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV

If you would like to learn more about after school programs or would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00. 

JCPenney

Daphne Avila, 972-431-3400, jcpcorpcomm@jcpenney.com

 As a participant in the ImageMakers National Photography Contest, the Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg may submit members’ photography in four age divisions and five categories, including color process, black-and-white process, alternative process, digital and photo essay. Selected photos will compete at the regional level; regional winners will be judged nationally. Twenty national winners will be named and their photography displayed in the ImageMakers National Photography Contest traveling exhibition and at special BGCA events throughout the year. Winning photographers will receive an award and letter of congratulations from BGCA President Roxanne Spillett. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

“By introducing members to photography, we are giving them the priceless opportunity to express themselves in creative and unusual ways,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, CPO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 37 years, providing daily programs and services to over 19,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. for youth and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. for teens. During the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career enhancement, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and Hidalgo County United Way Agency.