2024 has been a year filled with milestones and memories at Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County. Highlights for this local youth development nonprofit include:

1. Serving a record 1,000 children – a 33% increase from 2023 – through free afterschool and summer programming. 

2. Growing from 8 Clubs to 10, with locations in Michigan City, La Porte, Westville, Kingsford Heights and Rolling Prairie. BGCLPC now partners with 4 different school districts to more easily reach children throughout the county.

3. Deepening connections with families by welcoming them into the Club for Slime Science, Family Art Night, a Clubwide talent show and other exciting events.

BGCLPC exists to ensure every child has the tools and resources they need to achieve a Great Future. Each Club offers a diverse weekly programming schedule designed to promote Academic Success, Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. In addition, Club members have access to countless unforgettable experiences – from flying kites on a windy spring day, to reaching record heights in an ongoing cup-stacking challenge, to splashing down an inflatable water slide. 

BGCLPC is currently celebrating its recent success while preparing to respond to new challenges and opportunities through its ongoing year-end campaign. The organization has set a goal of raising $75,000 by December 31 to support its expanded operations. To date, it has received $13,270 in individual and corporate donations, including a $5,000 Giving Tuesday kick-off donation from local partner Centier Bank. Donations to BGCLPC’s year-end campaign can be made at www.bgclpc.org/give/ or by mail to 321 Detroit Street, Michigan City, Indiana 46350.

“We are very excited for this opportunity to celebrate our organization’s expanded reach and impact,” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC CEO. “It has been a true joint effort between our team members, families, partners and supporters. However, the more we grow, the more important our community’s support becomes. Having a robust year-end campaign will be critical as we transition from start-up grants to community support at several Clubs. Thank you to all those who have chosen to be part of our mission!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County is a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide affiliation of more than 5,000 autonomous Club organizations. For more information about BGCLPC and its programming, please visit www.bgclpc.org.