It is a little known fact that the Boys & Girls Clubs are among our oldest charities; Worcester's was founded in 1889, and Taunton's in 1905. They seek out the most disadvantaged youth, and offer them constructive activities in safe environments, to provide opportunities conducive to educational, physical, social and moral development. Every day America's young adolescents have 5 hours of "free" time -- 30% of their time awake -- in which they can decide what to do. Without adult supervision that time is fraught with dangers: substance abuse, crime, violence, sexual activity leading to unwanted pregnancy and diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Passively watching television is not an effective safeguard and in any case does not develop abilities. Boys & Girls Clubs are generally open six days a week from morn 'til night, offering all kinds of good options.

The Taunton Club has opened a computer center with 90 Internet-wired workstations, opening the whole world up to these youths for exploration. The Club also opened a new childcare facility serving children ages 8 weeks to 6 years of age.

All Clubs mount athletic teams that compete for championships. The Worcester Club serves 2,000, and the Taunton club 3,000, youths annually. Both Clubs have summer camps and programs for pre-schoolers as well. This is one of the oldest models for youth programs, and it works. One of Worcester's alumni is Jack Smith, CEO of General Motors, who has said: "When I was growing up, the Ionic Avenue Boys Club in Worcester was the place where I learned to be responsible for myself and where I learned self-discipline... and self-respect. If the Ionic Avenue Club hadn't been there, there's no doubt in my mind that a lot of kids in my neighborhood would have used their idle time to get into trouble."

Boys & Girls Clubs are there to make the difference, and you can help them do it. This is your chance.