For the last 60 years, the Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club has given thousands of kids a shot at a brighter future, but donations are drying up and grants have run out. Now, officials claim the progam that serves about 150 kids every day may have to fold, leaving the kids with nowhere to go.
"We're running out very quickly. Right now, we have about five months of operating money left," said Maj. Paul Kilpatrick, of the Salvation Army.
Executive director Emanuel Croslan said the program offers children stability and values.
"That's what we teach here. Don't be influenced. Use your own mind," he said.
Nearly 90 percent of the kids come from single-parent homes. The Boys and Girls Club offers families an affordable alternative to other day care and keeps kids off the street.
"It's great. I come here every day when school is out or school's in," participant David Lawson said.
"It's a safe haven, a home away from home where they're protected and don't have to worry about crime" Croslan said.
Organizers said they need to come up with at least $200,000 in the next few months to keep the place running.
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