'It makes a difference': Boys and Girls club of Martin County hold backpack drive for students in need

HOBE SOUND, Fla. — The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County is making sure students have the necessary supplies for the new school year.

Volunteers spent Tuesday morning stuffing some hundreds of backpacks with paper, pens, pencils and other must-have school supplies.

President and CEO Keith Fletcher thanked them for their much-needed support.

Fletcher said nine of the 10 families they serve qualify for free and reduced lunch, so buying school supplies can be a burden.

"And we're taking that burden away, making sure kids show up on day one full of hope, inspiration and aspiration and ready to conquer the world," Fletcher said. "Because we think it makes a difference."

Officials said their four clubs provide, for free and year-round: after-school care, summer care, breakfast, lunch, tutors, sports, dance and other activities.

Fletcher said their clubs are over capacity, and there's a waiting list.

"We now serve close to 6,000 kids a year which makes us far and away outside of the school district the largest youth service provider in Martin County," Fletcher said. "It has nearly tripled in the past five years."

Buoyed by donations from local businesses such as O'Donnell Impact Windows & Storm Protection, Patty D Photography, Capstone IT, Blazin Amazin Treatz, Hotwire Communications and Guaranteed Garage Doors & Repair, BGCMC is assembling volunteers alongside its staff Tuesday at the Hobe Sound location in a mass mobilization to stuff backpacks with school supplies for delivery the following day.