FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, [email protected]
BGCSCTN Spreads Thanksgiving Joy to 245 Club Members and Their Families across Maury and Giles County
Volunteers at the “We are Family” luncheon serving Club members a meal at Marvin Wright Elementary School
Spring Hill and Pulaski, TN – November 2023 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (BGCSCTN) kicked off the holiday season with two Thanksgiving celebrations that brought together communities in Giles and Maury Counties. On November 20, First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski opened its doors to host a festive Thanksgiving dinner for Club members and their families. The festivities continued on November 25 with a joyful luncheon at Marvin Wright Elementary School in Spring Hill. Altogether, these gatherings nourished approximately 245 Club members and were supported by 75 dedicated volunteers.
Attendees at the “We Are Family” Thanksgiving Luncheon at Marvin Wright Elementary School share meals and conversations.
In communities where support for underrepresented and underserved families is vital, BGCSCTN’s efforts resonate deeply. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.9% of Maury County residents and 12.5% of Giles County residents live below the poverty line, surpassing Tennessee’s state average of 14%. BGCSCTN addresses these challenges by serving 1,491 youth across its 14 sites—70% of whom come from single-parent households and 80% qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. In 2023 alone, the organization distributed over 20,000 meals and healthy snacks to its members, embodying the true essence of Thanksgiving.
Since its founding in 1999, BGCSCTN has been dedicated to youth development, offering programs that empower children to reach their full potential. Highlights from this year include:
- Expansion to a new school site at Mt. Pleasant Elementary, increasing the annual total to 1,491 youth served across 14 sites.
- Over 460 daily attendees, with more than 1,000 members participating in holistic development opportunities provided by the clubs.
- Youth Empowerment Opportunities: SMART Girls, Keystone Club, Youth of the Year, DIY STEM, Teen College Tour, Spring Hill Library Volunteer Pilot, Youth Arts, Cheer Squad, and trauma-informed training for club staff.
The Thanksgiving celebrations were a true reflection of community spirit and generosity. Volunteers and staff joined forces with partners like Ultium Cells LLC, First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski, Puckett’s of Columbia, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, BGCSCTN board members, and devoted parents to share traditional Thanksgiving fare, laughter, and camaraderie. In Pulaski, families were also gifted turkeys to take home, extending the holiday warmth beyond the event. “We’re deeply grateful to First Presbyterian Church for hosting us and providing a space where our club families could come together for an incredible meal,” said the BGCSCTN Giles County Executive Director
Volunteers from Ultium Cells LLC pose for the camera.
At Marvin Wright Elementary in Spring Hill, the cafeteria was transformed into a welcoming haven filled with the aromas of Thanksgiving. Children, parents, and community leaders gathered to enjoy meals served by enthusiastic volunteers. The BGCSCTN Teen Center Cheer Club added to the festive atmosphere with spirited cheers of “Great Futures” and “Positive Impact,” highlighting the organization’s mission. Participants also signed a wall of gratitude, many expressing heartfelt thanks to the clubs and acknowledging the positive influence of their programs. Members of the Southern Springs Veterans Club attended as well, generously offering a donation to support the clubs.
The BGCSCTN cheer squad delivered a spirited performance for attendees at the Thanksgiving luncheon.
“This was a wonderful celebration; seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces was just the best part for me,” one volunteer remarked.
As families departed with full hearts, satisfied appetites, and lasting memories, the impact of these celebrations was evident. The laughter, friendships, and shared experiences underscored the importance of community connections during the holiday season—a true testament to the spirit of Thanksgiving.
BGCSCTN staff give celebratory High Fives to Club Members
BGCSCTN remains committed to its mission of creating great futures for the youth of South Central Tennessee. This Thanksgiving, the organization demonstrated the power of collective effort to uplift communities, one meal and one act of kindness at a time.
To everyone who made these events a success—thank you. Your support proves that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth we serve.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
The vision of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee is to provide a world-class Club Experience that ensures success is within reach for every young person who enters our doors. Founded in 1999, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee serves more than 1,500 youth annually across three Clubhouse sites and eleven school-based locations. In partnership with Maury County Public Schools since 2016, the Club has expanded its reach to provide vital services to children and families throughout the region.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and its programs, please visit BGCSCTN.