Investing in Tomorrow

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

This quote succinctly captures the roles and responsibility of our generation to the next. We need to uplift and prepare youth in our communities today so they can thoughtfully lead tomorrow.

The Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg is doing just that. Through a multitude of programs that invest in the next generation, they are helping to make the future brighter for us all.

John N. Hall Clubhouse

Uplifting Local Youth

The Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg seeks “to serve as a neighborhood-based organization committed to serving youth of all backgrounds in developing self-esteem, character, and to help them become responsible citizens by providing physical, recreational, social, educational, and vocational programs.”

They fulfill their mission through a wide range of programs that promote personal growth across five core program areas: education and career development; character and leadership; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness, and recreation.

Each core area helps to meaningfully impact students across several local school districts. Last year, the Club was able to support approximately 600 individuals with after-school activities and their annual summer camp.

Individual programs include Power Hour, which offers homework help and encourages students to become self-directed learners; Eat Smart/Play Smart, which teaches students about nourishment and physical fitness; Keystone Club, which provides leadership development opportunities; All Stars, which includes multiple, organized sport leagues; and Lyricism 101, which helps members understand and express their feelings through music.

Together, these programs provide positive outlets, promote individual ownership and growth, and show students what is possible if they work diligently towards their goals.

Beyond simply offering programs, the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg also seeks to organize positive mentorships, which “can change and, in some cases, save a young person’s life.” The data speaks for itself. “Young people who meet regularly with a mentor are 38% more likely to graduate on time, 55% more likely to enroll in college, and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg is committed to seeing youth grow, and their programs and pursuit of positive mentorships showcase their ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of students each year.

A Fundraiser at CommunityAid!

Protecting the Future

The CommunityAid Foundation is thrilled to support the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg’s efforts to uplift youth in our community.

We have provided grants to help fund the Club’s summer camp, reducing economic barriers for low-income families. This enabled at-risk youth to attend and access opportunities and additional support systems without overburdening their parents financially. We were able to provide over $13,000 to fund their efforts to reach the community in this way.

When the Club was vandalized last year, the Foundation provided nearly $20,000 to replace their antiquated surveillance system and update the front and rear entryways, helping to secure the building, keep their students safe, and minimize future losses to theft.

The Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Mark Hawthorne shared, "In August 2025, the John N. Hall Clubhouse faced a significant challenge when a break-in resulted in theft and extensive property damage. Determined to provide a safe environment for our students, we worked tirelessly to repair the clubhouse before the start of the school year. We are incredibly grateful to the Community Aid Foundation. Thanks to their generous grant, we were able to replace the damaged entrance and restore the security of our building. Their timely support was instrumental in ensuring our after-school programs could open on schedule.”

We also hosted students at CommunityAid stores, allowing them to connect with shoppers to fundraise for Club activities.

Finally, we have provided Care Cards ($25 store vouchers), which the staff from the Boys & Girls Club distribute directly to families in need. This helps combat clothing insecurity and ensures that youth wear items of the correct size that fit their personal taste. Warm clothing is especially critical during the winter months, especially for older students walking to school. We are glad to provide Care Cards to serve our neighbors in need, enabling them to spend their hard-earned dollars on food, housing, and other necessities.

Thank you for enabling us to come alongside youth in need and helping them grow into the leaders of the future. We couldn’t fund life change or provide Care Cards to those in need without the support of the community, and we’re deeply grateful for your support.

Learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg at https://bgchbg.org/. Interested in learning more about organizations we support? You can do so here.