Boys & Girls Clubs' Expanded Services In Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County has launched its annual fundraising campaign, an effort that will increase resources for the Clubs’ after-school programs and expanded services for young people ages 5-18 living mainly in Asbury Park and Red Bank.

The campaign, called “Whatever It Takes,” is scheduled to run through December 31st.

The goal of the “Whatever It Takes” campaign is to raise $350,000 for BGCM’s annual operating budget, according to a press release from the organization. Due to the pandemic, the Club was forced to cancel several special events, resulting in a tremendous loss of revenue.

In addition, BGCM has expanded services to include Remote Learning Centers, which assist children with their remote education during the school day.

To make up for the budget shortfall and increased expenses, the Club is counting on individual donors to help keep programs available to the community.

“It has been an extraordinarily difficult year for all of us, but especially for our county’s most vulnerable population—the at-risk young people we serve,” said Douglas Eagles, executive director of BGCM. “Children in under-resourced communities are at severe risk of suffering from food insecurity, a widening achievement gap, and other adverse childhood experiences. Our kids need the stability and security of the Club now more than any other time in their lives, and we are doing whatever it takes to meet this need.”

BGCM is open every weekday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Asbury Park and Red Bank, providing nutritious meals, remote education assistance, life-skills classes, college and career prep, mentorship, and more.

To make a contribution to the “Whatever It Takes” campaign online, please visit bgcmonmouth.org/whateverittakes.