Back to School {Boys and Girls Club of America}

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating {#sponsored}.

It’s almost time for Back to School, whether we’re ready or not.  We’re saturated with Back to School ads on TV., the internet, in print, everywhere we go we’re reminded it’s time to wind down summer break.

Boys and Girls Club of America

Preparing for this time of year can be overwhelming to say the least.  There’s the shopping for clothes, shoes, supplies, snacks, and more.  My kids will need new jackets this year too.  The closer we get the more money we’re demanded to spend.  Money seems to be oozing out of me, and the school year hasn’t even started yet!

Money isn’t the only thing I need these days, I also need to be organized.  I need to get out of ‘summer mode’ and get back to ‘school year mode’.  With my youngest starting Kindergarten this year, there will be even more to manage than this time last year.  I need to make sure that their school, extra curricular, church, and social needs are met, and that I don’t fall apart in the process.

Having grown up in a low income family, I know just how lucky our kids are.  We’re not rich by any means, we budget, and even struggle at times like many, but I know that they have everything they need, and lots that they ‘want’, thank goodness.  We are blessed.  I can’t however, help but think about those that are less fortunate.  There are those that go without, year after year, many in school with our own kids.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America are there to help!  For over a hundred years the Boys & Girls Clubs of America have helped build a strong sense of community in our youth.  Every year they help 4 million young people get on the path to a great future by providing a safe place to spend time during after school hours and the summer as an alternative to the streets or being home alone.  As a former ‘latch-key kid’ (80’s term for those of you who don’t know!), I know I would’ve benefited from the Boys & Girls Club.  They offer them a chance to play, have fun, laugh and learn while giving them opportunities to build new skills that raise each child’s belief that he or she can succeed and receive recognition for personal accomplishments. I love that!

I would love to be a part of this and help give even just one child a chance at a better future, wouldn’t you?  As a busy mom, wife, employee, kid’s chauffer, family manager, and all of the other titles I hold, I can’t spare too much of my time.  I know that many of you are in the same boat.  Still, we can help.

The Boys & Girls Club of America has partnered up with JC Penney for the J.C. Penney Cares Round Up campaign.  In the month of July, you can round up your shopping total at J.C. Penney and make a difference and support afterschool programs at BGCA across the country!  100% of the donations raised will go towards the clubs across the country.

You and I can help.  Next time you’re at J.C.Penney, say back to school shopping, say YES when asked to round up your total.  We can make a difference in a child’s life!