The Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa (BGCAS) is proud again to have taken part in the "LIGHTS ON Afterschool Programs" event on October 23, with an Open House event and Canned Goods Drive community service project.

This national program is organized and promoted by the Afterschool Alliance Organization in partnership with the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

BGCAS joined more than one million Americans participating in efforts to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs in our communities and throughout the nation.

Afterschool programs continue to keep kids safe, help working families and inspire leaning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.

In line with the Lights On Afterschool Programs event the BGCAS organized its second annual Hope House Fatu o Aiga Canned Goods Drive. BGCAS members, parents, families, management and staff last year collected 280 canned goods. This year, the hugely successful project by the membership yielded 400 plus canned goods to support Hope House.

At a ceremony held Thursday at the BGCAS Tafuna Clubhouse, Sister Faustina Stowers and nurse Fane Ofa received the gifts on behalf of Hope House Fatu o Aiga. On behalf of the Board of the Directors, membership and parents — chairman and chief volunteer officer, Mrs. Mary A.T. Tulafono together with management made the presentation.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of American Samoa continues to provide the youth of American Samoa ages 6 to 18 development programs focused on Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. The BGCAS Clubhouse operates during after school hours from 2-6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Source: BGCAS media release