Current Needs

As part of our summer programs, the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County provides a variety of water-based activities to keep kids active, engaged, and having fun. However, many of our children come without the necessary items for these activities, such as towels, washcloths, and swimsuits. These essential items help ensure that every child can fully participate and enjoy their time in the water, while also promoting good hygiene and safety. By donating these items, you are helping us create a fun, inclusive, and comfortable environment for all the youth we serve during the summer months. Below is a list of specific summer needs we are looking for:

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• Towels (bath-sized)

• Washcloths

• Swimsuits (various sizes, especially for youth and teens)

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

• Flip flops or water shoes

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We are needing volunteers who can support youth with basic homework assistance. Many of our youth need help with their reading, writing, and math homework to stay on track! Nearly 1 in 4 Kentuckians are considered functionally illiterate- help us change the future by providing your support today. 

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Click here to sign up to volunteer today!

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For many of our children and teens, the Club is the place where they experience the warmth and joy of the holidays, as they may not have those opportunities at home. By decorating our spaces with holiday cheer, we can provide a sense of comfort, excitement, and belonging. Your donations will help transform our Club into a place where kids can celebrate the season, feel at home, and create lasting memories. Together, we can make this holiday season special for every child in our care. New or gently used items are welcome!

Our kids compete in e-sports tournaments across Kentucky, engaging in friendly competition with other clubs while learning valuable skills like teamwork, positive communication, and strategic thinking. In addition to fostering collaboration and discipline, esports programs also promote problem-solving, digital literacy, and healthy competition. Your donations will help provide the tools our kids need to succeed in these competitions and continue developing important life skills. By supporting our gaming and esports programs, you’re helping create a space where youth can connect, grow, and thrive in a fun and positive environment. Suggested items below, can be new or gently used:

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• Gaming consoles

• Xbox and Playstation controllers

• Gaming or Office Chairs

• Headsets

Fabrication Lab offers a unique, hands-on learning experience where youth can explore creativity, technology, and design. Through 3D printing, laser engraving, lamination, and design presses, our kids gain practical skills in digital fabrication, problem-solving, and innovation. These skills are essential for preparing them for future careers in STEM, art, and technology fields. By investing in the Fabrication Lab, you’re helping to provide our youth with valuable tools to turn their ideas into reality and develop a passion for creative problem-solving.

To continue expanding this program and meet the growing interest from our kids, we need donations of supplies to fuel their creativity and learning. Below is a list of needed materials and equipment for the Fabrication Lab:

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• Blank assorted t-shirts (polyester)

• Blank tote bags (canvas or polyester)

• Cricut supplies (vinyl sheets, transfer paper, cutting mats)

• 3D printer filament (PLA, ABS, or PETG)

• Laser engraving material (wood, acrylic, leather)

• Lamination pouches (various sizes)

• Blank notebooks for custom designs

• Iron-on transfer paper

• Vinyl sticker sheets

• Design press materials (sublimation ink, heat press paper)

The Mercantile Club Store is a rewarding incentive program where youth earn "BGC Bucks" by demonstrating positive behaviors, leadership qualities, academic achievements, and stewardship within their Club. These "BGC Bucks" can then be spent on a variety of items that motivate and celebrate their hard work and commitment to being a positive Club member. The store helps reinforce the importance of good habits while also providing a fun, tangible reward for their efforts.

To keep the Mercantile Club Store stocked and exciting, we rely on donations of popular items that our youth love and value. By contributing to the store, you’re helping us create an environment where positive actions are recognized and rewarded, encouraging our youth to continue making good choices and modeling what it means to be a Club kid.

Below is a list of items most needed for the Mercantile Club Store:

• Gift cards to local fast food restaurants

• Phone accessories (chargers, headphones, pop sockets)

• Fidget toys (fidget spinners, cubes, stress balls)

• Snack items (chips, beef jerky, granola bars)

• Sodas, candy, and gum

• Fun toys (small figurines, puzzles, board games)

• School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers)