Paulding Boys and Girls Club may be forced to close

Paulding Boys and Girls Club may be forced to shut down after receiving an ultimatum from the organization on July 6th that will require the local chapter to do some fundraising to avoid closing. The club, at 335 Academy Drive in Dallas, has until October 1 to meet certain criteria and raise about $200,000 in order to pass muster and be allowed to continue, according to Raiko Jones, executive director for the Paulding Boys and Girls club.
“The organization as a whole is facing a deficit so they were looking at clubs to close,” Jones said, who spoke by phone.
Jones said that as a chapter that serves a rural community Paulding was deemed not necessary to remain open. Ms. Jones said that the cutbacks have a lot to do with the impact of COVID-19.
“Because we are a non-profit and companies are not donating as heavily as they were before,” she said.
If the club continues beyond the October deadline, it will operate at a 50% capacity, according to CDC guidelines for social distancing, Jones said.
But Jones said that the local club is needed and continues to work in the community with meal distribution, zoom sessions with members, and other socially distanced activities.
“We have about 179 members with an average daily attendance of 95,” she said.
And according to information included in a letter to supporters, “Our club provides an environment where all youth are safe, visible, and supported. We offer tools and resources enabling our youth to succeed in school, live a healthy lifestyle, and become leaders in their communities. We serve as a bridge connecting families to educational, financial, and social/emotional support. The club provides members academic assistance, exposure to the arts through cultural festivals and plays, access to sports programs, and, most importantly, mentorships.”
Jones said they are marshaling community support to raise needed funds and also to make some needed roof repairs to the gym, or to secure another building elsewhere.
Any level of sponsorship is appreciated and is tax-deductible, Jones said.
Make check(s) payable to Paulding County Boys & Girls Club. Include Paulding County Boys & Girls Club in the “For” line and mail to 335A Academy Dr. Dallas, GA 30132.
To obtain more information on making local donations, or with other questions, contact Paulding County Boys & Girls Club at (678) 363- 8570, or email to .