by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Sheboygan is among 58 Wisconsin cities hosting Boys & Girls Clubs that serve neary 145,000 youth, a number exceeded only by state public schools, and those clubs are facing some difficult situations during the coronavirus pandemic. Those clubs serve two million meals and snacks to youth every year at no cost. While some clubs remain partially open, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sheboygan County stopped operations on March 18th and will remain closed until at least April 6th, ending those food options here.
In a release to parents, the Sheboygan Boys & Girls Clubs said that any advance payment for service will be refunded for the duration of the closure. The Clubs are working with both the Sheboygan Area School District, the United Way and the local Food Pantry to help distribute meals to those in need.
Andy Gussert, State Alliance Director, noted that the clubs depend upon private contributions, but with cancellations of a half dozen fundraising events so far this month, and more coming in April, a financial gap of over a million dollars already looms.
To address the crisis, Wisconsin Boys & Girls Clubs have started a statewide COVID-19 Relief Fund to purchase food, acquire supplies, pay staff and address needs directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. Contributions will be shared directly with local sites across the state, dollar for dollar, with no overhead charges taken out.
Donations can be made here:
