ButlerYouth Center can use your help...

Starting September 4 and on each Tuesday and Thursday throughout the school year, 75-80 kids a night will fill the Butler Youth Center at the old high school. Kelly Stark, manager of the Youth Center, says that they start each year with the basics needed to help the center run smoothly. “But that many kids can quickly deplete the supplies that we have on hand,” said Stark. “Just think what basic supplies you need for a family of 5 and then multiply that by 15!”



The Center, which operates totally on free will donations, would appreciate the help of the community and businesses. “While there is a constant need for financial donations to help pay our staff, there are many other ways you can help,” said Stark.
The Center has some specific needs that include:

• Paper products such as paper plates, napkins, toilet paper, paper towels and plastic silver wear. We go through over 200 plates, napkins and silver wear items a week!
• Cleaning supplies including toilet cleaner, dish soap, window cleaner, bleach, Pinesol, general purpose cleaners, sponges, dish cloths and towels and trash bags.
• Arts and Crafts Supplies. The major needs are craft supplies including construction paper, card stock, water color paper, paints, markers, acrylic paint, paint brushes, glue sticks and scotch tape. In addition, we could use pipe cleaners, feathers, Styrofoam balls, foam art shapes and sheets. Art beads and jewelry making supplies are very popular with the children and they are also very expensive. Stark noted, “A great donation is inexpensive costume jewelry that has beads. We cut the strings and put those in containers for the kids to make their own jewelry.” Polymer clays, stickers, foam trays, adhesive magnets, and many other craft items are also great.
• Game supplies. Board games, kick balls, plastic bats and balls, Nerf footballs, soccer balls, hula hoops, small balls you can hold in your hand, etc. We could also use working electronic game systems and games. Currently we have a working Nintendo 64, a Game Cube, and a Play Station.(All older models). Donated games must be rated for general public or youth.
• Food for the Center. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cookies, crackers, peanut butter crackers, peanut butter and chips are always needed.

Donations for the Center can be dropped off during Center hours: Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. The Center is located in the Old Butler High Building at the corner of Pine and Havana streets. In addition to these needs, donations are always appreciated. These can be mailed to BCYAC, Inc. P.O Box #466, Butler, MO 64730.

-FM 92 the Bullet