A local after school program is looking to raise a bit of money later this spring.
The Starke County Youth Club’s 8th Annual RadioThon will be held May 1st. The organization – which launched in 2001 – provides a range of activities, including healthy eating and possibly taking students on field trips.
Executive Director Irene Szakonyi says their organization gives students a safe place to be after school.
“The additional benefit of that is that family members can really stay focused on their jobs,” says Szakonyi. “It helps reduce absenteeism for parents, it helps parents feel comfortable and safe about where their kids are.”
According to information released by the SCYC, 20-percent of school age children are left unsupervised after classes.
Data from the Afterschool Alliance suggests that juvenile crime spikes during the hours immediately after schools.
Kids from every site across the county will be participating in the campaign kick-off. Szakonyi says all of the funds raised stay local.
“It really does help us to make sure that we have fantastic projects for kids all across the county,” says Szakonyi. “Whether it’s helping kids with their homework, providing individual tutoring, or teaching kids life skills and giving cultural exposure.”
The Starke County Youth Club offers services at schools all over the Starke county.
The organization has a goal through the RadioThon of raising $50-thousand.
