NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA have been working together in the last few months to make sure that kids from across Hutchinson have a chance to be a part of activities that will keep them active and engaged.
"Hutchinson isn't big enough to not work together," said Lance Patterson with the club. "There's a lot of need, a lot of kids. Something we always hear about is, there's nothing for my teenager to do. If we can work together to provide these opportunities, it's a win-win."
Another win-win is getting younger kids use of the pool and other YMCA classes, because that takes the transportation issue out of parents hands.
"Kind of an extension from the Saturday nights at the Y is to be able to take some of our kids during the after school hours and let them swim at the Y, which they absolutely love," Patterson said. "From that, we went ahead and are offering them the chance to maybe try out some gymnastics. David [Foster with the Y] set up a class that allows our kids to try it a little bit and see if there's something that is interested. We try to keep that price really low and that was what we were fundrasing for, was to be able to offset some of those costs for those families that maybe couldn't afford it so we can get them started. If they like it, if it's something their kid is interested in, we're providing the transportation."
Foster, for his part, says the partnership is working out well.
"We're definitely interested," Foster said. "The more things we can come together on and provide great experiences for all kids in Hutchinson, I think it makes everybody better."
Both organizations will take donations to help fund having kids participate that otherwise wouldn't be able to. You can donate to Boys and Girls Club at bgchutch.com, or to the Y at https://ymcawichita.org/give.
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