Look for Wakefield Branch of Stoneham Boys & Girls Club in 2012

If all goes according to plan, Wakefield will get a branch of the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham here in town sometime in the next year. 

Volunteers in Wakefield shared at a recent meeting in Stoneham that they began the process by speaking to members of the Wakefield community and the leadership of the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham about the need for a Wakefield Club.

"We started with the Police Department, and even before we tried to make our case, they looked at us and said, 'Wakefield needs something where kids can just go to be kids,' said Anthony Guardia, a member of the Wakefield Committee for the Boys and Girls Club. "These kids aren't bad kids - they just have no where to go between the hours of 3 to 6 p.m. They're in front of our stores, they're on our steps, and a Boys and Girls Club would give them a place to go and help our town immensely."

Guardia said he is confident the all-volunteer group can handle the work and that the Wakefield community would be up for the challenge.

"We go from successful project to successful project in Wakefield at a rate I'm pretty sure is better than any other town around here," he said. "This will be the next successful project in Wakefield."

Serving on the Wakefield Committee are: Bill Chetwynd, Stacey Curran, Wendy Dennis, Colleen Getty, Anthony Guardia, Bob Mailhoit, George Getty and Scott Fraser.

Next on the list for volunteers is to locate a space to use for the club in Wakefield. Stay with Wakefield Patch for updates on the project.

Wakefield Branch Q&A with the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham:

• When will the club be open? A 2012 opening is anticipated.
• Why bring a club to Wakefield? The Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham already serves 80 kids from the Wakefield area. This is merely an expansion of services we already provide to the Wakefield community. 
• What is the cost of membership? Membership cost is only $25 for the school year.
• I am already a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham. Can I use the Wakefield Club? Yes. Members will be able to enjoy servies at oth the Stoneham and Wakefield Clubs.
• What age groups can attend? The Wakefield club will initially focus on serving middle school-aged children. Children outside of that age group can still atttend and enjoy the services of the SToneham Club.
• What programs will be offered? Our programs will focus on three main areas: Social Recreation, Education, and Community Invovlement.
• What will the hours of the Wakefield Club be? Although not finalized, we hope to provide programming Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Is the Town of Wakefield funding this project? No. Funding is provided through sponsorship and individual donations.
• How can I donate? Donations can be made in two ways. Checks can be made payable to BGCS Wakefield Club and sent to: Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham, Attn: Wakefield Club, 15 Dale Court, Stoneham, MA, 02180. A secure donation can be made online at: www.bgcstoneham.org/wakefield.
• If I donate to the Wakefield Club, will my donation stay in Wakefield? Yes. All donations to the Wakefield Club will be used for the Wakefield Club.
• I can't make a financial contribution. Can I volunteer instead? Absolutely! Contact the club at 781-438-6770 or go online if you are interested in volunteer opportunities.