Local Kids Spend their Day Off Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Woodlake Boys & Girls Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WOODLAKE, CA, January 18th, 2023 -- Regardless of the inconveniences caused by rain, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias continued their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. This past Monday, January 16th, staff, parents, and over 60 members from the Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville, Exeter, Ivanhoe, Strathmore and Woodlake Clubs gathered to inspire their young ones through the theme of community. This year, the group congregated at the Woodlake Boys & Girls Club to enjoy a guest speaker and community building activities. 

Every year, BGCS staff invites a guest speaker from the community to join the cause and inspire local youth. This year, Terrance Anthony was the clear choice due to his involvement in the Woodlake community and recognition amongst Woodlake students. Over the years, he has become well-known in Woodlake for his work at Goin’ Postal, as a substitute teacher, and as a volleyball, track and field, and football coach. Additionally, Anthony is relatable to the young audience as he was also once a Boys & Girls Club member. He said, “I also went to a Boys & Girls Club when I was young, from second grade to sixth grade. So, I’m a Club kid too. I actually learned how to play basketball at the Boys & Girls Club.” Anthony explained the concept of community to the kids, showing them that they are all a part of many communities, such as their city, school, and Boys & Girls Club. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of leading by example and taking action in one’s own community. He ended his speech saying, “Remember that love is caring. You have to care for the person next to you, the person in front of you, and the person behind you. You are the future of this community.”

Additionally, staff led their members in motivational activities, such as the Act of Kindness activity, where members walked to local businesses and handed out candy grams. This activity gives the kids confidence to take their place in the community, encourages them to interact with their community, and allows them to experience the rewarding feeling of giving back. In two other activities, members shared their favorite inspirational quotes by writing them on the quote board and explained the messages behind their posters. A member of the Ivanhoe Club presented his poster saying, “We are a small community, but we are stronger together.” Strathmore Club members shared many inspiring quotes, one being, “Kindness creates bonds that create a community.” At the end of the event, the group enjoyed lunch together and connected with the local resource organizations.  

This annual event is a great opportunity for families to create memories and inspire their children. If you are a parent and would like to learn more about what your local Boys & Girls Club has to offer, please visit bgcsequoias.org. There, you can also register your child for a Club membership, which costs only $15 per year. Be sure to follow Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated @BGCSequoias.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is focused on helping all young people, especially those who need us most, become responsible, caring and productive members of society. Boys & Girls Clubs were established in Tulare County in the 1990’s when Exeter and Visalia community leaders responded to the need for a positive place for local youth to spend free time after school. Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias provides services at 15 Clubs throughout Tulare County. Clubs provide a wide span of activities for local youth, varying from STEM to sports. www.bgcsequoias.org 

For More Information

Please contact: Leticia Betancourt | (559) 592-4074 | leticia.betancourt@bgcsequoias.org