““An incredibly capable and caring staff is the starting point at the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, but volunteer support is an essential component. This is where my story begins. A volunteer’s day begins at 2:15 p.m. to help set up dinner for 250 plus members, listening in on the staff meeting and the review of the daily schedule.

Then, like the precision of a Swiss watch, at 2:45 p.m. bright yellow school buses thunder into the parking lot. It almost feels like you are hearing the muted cheers of a distant football game as the children enter the facility grounds.  You would expect children to be dragging themselves off the bus after a long day at school and their initial steps are a bit slow. I normally hold the door open at the entrance to remind the children that walking is good and then the magic begins.

As they break the threshold of the building, there is a moment, a realization where they are. You can feel the excitement build, voice levels increase and a slow walk turns into a group of race walkers charging to the finish line. This is truly a place of great importance to them and a home away from home.

So, it begins, the meal of the day, a chance romp on the playground, then time to settle into the learning center, reading or technology labs, art room, teen center or sports in the gym. Regardless of where your volunteer support is needed, there is this feeling of a long embrace.

Whether it is working through the logic of new math, the world of a digital education or the art of helping multiple children simultaneously, the staff and children make you feel like you are an essential part of their day – always supportive, deeply appreciative of your gift of time and patiently awaiting your return. Although we are called volunteers, the Boys & Girls Club is the true gift giver.””