The Starke County Youth Club’s annual radiothon is less than a month a way. It’s a chance for residents to help the organization continue to provide its after-school, summer, and recreational programs across the county. “We’re usually there after school for three hours, making sure kids have a safe place to be, making sure they get help with their homework and their academic needs,” says Executive Director Irene Szakonyi, “and then expanding on that, so kids get exposure to other cultures. They learn about technology and robotics, and maybe they’re even learning to cook and having a workforce readiness or life skill.” Szakonyi says there are currently just over 400 kids in the Starke County Youth Club’s after-school programs.
On Friday, May 4, the club will once again take over the WKVI airwaves. “We’re there from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and we’re talking to our kids, we’re talking to their families, and members of the larger community about what youth club provides for the kids and families that we serve and what benefit there is to the entire county that we live in,” Szakonyi explains. “And so the radiothon is a chance for us to share those stories, and maybe more impactful, for folks to call in and share what it means to them.” Szakonyi says the annual radiothon is a big fundraiser for the organiztion, with people from all over the United States calling in with pledges of support.
But she says there’s no need to wait until May 4. Donations or pledges can be made on the Starke County Youth Club’s website, thescyc.org or by calling the youth club at 574-772-1600 ext. 1851. Residents call also support the Starke County Youth Club by attending a Paddle Party this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the Knox VFW. It’s being hosted by the DeMotte State Bank Relay for Life Team, with proceeds going to the youth club and the American Cancer Society.
