NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Donors to the Boys and Girls Club can help specifically create Healthy Lifestyles outcomes for kids through gifts this month. One of the areas the special emphasis will pay for is swimming lessons for the youngest members through the YMCA.
"When summer comes up, we have a rule that they have to be at least eight years old to go to Salt City Splash," said Elicia Lance with the club. "They are so excited when they finally turn eight, but they need to know how to swim. This is going to set them up for success. It's going to set them up for just knowing how to be safe around water, whether at the club or home."
Boys and Girls Club is able to help kids learn healthy habits through team sports, but they want to expand those offerings.
"It might be because they are not interested in basketball and football," said Lindsey Fields with the club. "Maybe it's swimming, maybe it's golf. Maybe it's bicycle riding. Maybe they haven't had that spark opportunity yet. We want to provide as many of them as possible."
They also want to continue to be able to offer healthy foods as part of the club, too.
"They are learning those healthy skills, but to make that happen, we need the support of our community," Fields said. "We need to be able to buy the fresh produce and items that they might not try on their own otherwise. You've tried giving new foods to kids, probably, it's not always a success, but when they have that hand in cooking it, they are more likely to try it. They are more likely to be interested in it."
The Healthy Lifestyles Campaign runs through Feb. 12. You can give online.
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