ELLOREE, S.C. - A group of proactive, dedicated citizens and public officials have banded together to establish a Boys & Girls Club in Elloree. The club is headquartered at the gym in Joe Miller Park.

The program ran all summer, giving children ages six through 18 an opportunity to experience both educational and recreational programs.

Young people from Elloree, Santee, Holly Hill, Cameron, Union and towns in Calhoun County took advantage of the summer program and escaped the heat under sprinklers provided for them.

An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision, organizers point out, and young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs, begun in 1860, offer that and more, they say, adding that club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. The organizers say the club is a safe place for children to learn and grow while having fun.

"As you can see, the basketball net is well used," Elloree Mayor Van Stickles said. "Our Administrator John Singh recognized the opportunity for Elloree and the children. I am pleased at how the leaders and employees handled themselves and commend Orangeburg County for stepping up to the plate to help this project with needed funds."

Singh noted that an adjoining room to the gym will become a club room for the kids and that they will paint and decorate it in whatever way they want.

"NTINET will provide high speed Internet which will help us in our educational programs," he said.

Orangeburg County Councilman Johnnie Wright said he was honored and appreciative to observe the program.

"This is a team effort and each member is important," he said. "It is currently open to the eastern end of the county but will expand to other areas as well. Our children need more activities, but we have to answer to the taxpayers, too."

"The club is a viable asset to the community, and we have a great staff and volunteers," Orangeburg County Councilman Johnny Ravenell said. "We offer the kids both recreation and education."

The recreational program includes physical education. Recent educational programs included a presentation on drugs by Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams as well as presentations on gangs and domestic violence. Workshops on health and hygiene have also been well received by the kids.

Willie Booker, board of directors member of the Boys & Girls Club and Thomas Eklund, executive director of the Orangeburg Area Boys & Girls Club, were also on hand to support the new endeavor.

"The program began in mid-June until last week when we had our break," Booker said. "We will resume on Aug. 19. The program will be open from 3-7 p.m. during the school year, and the kids are looking forward to returning."

Booker emphasized the importance of bringing together the public and business sectors to support the project.

"The club provides a safe, positive environment for the children during summer vacation and after school," he said.

Two hours each day will be reserved for "Power Hour," where children can receive help with their school work. There is also a program on life skills, including health issues and how to function as an adult.

Community volunteers Jalal Bey and his wife, Najiyyah, were there to lend their support to the club.

"The kids enjoyed the summer program despite the heat," Jalal Bey said. "They were mannerly and had a lot of fun."

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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