This year KKC served 15 families with a total of 23 children enrolled. Three of those children deal with learning difficulties requiring one-on-one tutoring. For the first time, children who began the program in kindergarten are now fifth graders preparing to enter middle school in the fall. Several of these children were learning English as well as their ABC’s and NUMBERS when they began. They are now confident fluent readers and spellers. The success of these children is due to support of FUMC members and their support of time, donations, prayer and encouragement.
This year we have taken Field Trips to the Purdue Fire Station, a Lollipop Concert by the Lafayette Symphony, the R&R Top Soil Company, and the Farm at Prophetstown. Each trip introduced the children to new ideas and places outside of their experience. Each experience brought new insight and understanding about their larger community and what it has to offer them and their families. If YOU have a suggestion for a local field trip for the children, please don’t hesitate to make a suggestion. Perhaps you know about possibilities at Purdue or a local farm, or you have a hobby that could be shared with the children. The possibilities are out there and you could be a part of this adventure.
The best things in life are not always free and without donations and grants Kids Club could not function. Although there are a few volunteers it is necessary to have a paid staff. Each group has a supervisor and two aides. They provide continuity for children and volunteers as well as preparing the room, staying in contact with Klondike teachers, and encouraging and guiding our volunteers. Without these dedicated employees Kids Club would not be possible.
Over the past six years, grants have been provided by the FUMC Foundation, the IN UMC Ministry with the Poor, McAllister Foundation, NC Community Foundation, Noon Kiwanis Club, Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, Lilly Foundation and several anonymous donations. Unfortunately, grant requests for funds to purchase four Chrome books and two iPads were turned down. Currently, our largest expense of a $20,000 budget is the $14,000 salary paid our six staff persons. In six years, there have been no raises given.
Searching for grants and writing requests is a skill that that others are far better at than the KKC Director. We could REALLY us your help if you have had experience in this area. Does your firm or business offer grants to support community projects? Would you be willing to investigate? Do you belong to a service club that might be interested in supporting Kids Club? Would you like a speaker for your service club to talk about Klondike Kids Club? Have you successfully raised money for a non-profit or written grants successfully?
There are so many opportunities for supporting Klondike Kids Club. Won’t you consider just taking a chance and jumping in. You many be surprised. Questions? More information? Pastor Denny Frank at frankdenise41@gmail.comOR 765-714-1149
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