Paul Bewie Boys & Girls Club facing money crunch | News

GARLAND COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) - There's a financial jam for a Central Arkansas Boys and Girls Club and a public appeal for help.

We're talking about the Paul Bewie Boys and Girls Cub serving about 1,100 kids in rural Garland County. Club Director Alvin Smith says cutting activities would be a last resort. But he's still concerned right now, not knowing how the next few months will pan out.

From relay races to crafts, it's summer time at the Paul Bewie Boys and Girls Club in Garland County.

"I like to play basketball with the staff and I like playing tennis baseball," Cade Dodge said.

It's plenty of fun for kids, like Cade Dodge of Hot Springs. But for club leaders right now it's not so much fun these days.

"Money is very tight, yes," Club President Alvin Smith said. 

Smith says money's tight, most recently because of delayed federal funding to pay staff. Smith expected it last month. 

"All the sudden they called and said it may be the end of July, well that caused a cash flow problem and we're sitting here looking at bills saying if we don't get this money, how are we going to pay these bills," Smith said.

Smith says that a still shaky economy has also driving down donations. And Smith says that's actually the biggest hit as charity drives most revenue here.

"Without a lot of major businesses to rely on in this area, we have to rely on individuals to give us money," Smith said.

He says some individuals are responding to help out this month but he's not sure about the future.

"What's going to happen in August, what's going to happen in September, what's going to happen in October, we still need support," Smith said.

It's a push for some generous hearts out there, so kids like Dodge can stick around this place for awhile.

"I feel like I'm going to probably be working here when I get older like when l'm 16, I feel like I'm going to work here," Dodge said.    

To give you some more perspective on the need, Smith says right now they have about $13,000 in the bank. A monthly average for expenses ranges from $25,000 to $33,000. With close to $7,000 in emergency funds recently donated, that puts the club right now just under that monthly low average to run the place. So it's clear they still need some help.

Smith says the funds are especially needed now in the busier summer months. You call (501) 984-6996 if you're interested in donating.