Your generosity gives her a safe place to grow

Mariah, 11, likes to be alone.

But there are occasions when she prefers to hang out with friends. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, Mariah can choose the relative solitude of the computer room – a wall lined with screens where kids are able to play games or learn new skills – or the buzz of the playground.

There are plenty of options – but only after she finishes her homework.

“I’ve always been good in school, but if I need help, (the Club staff) helps me,” she says.

Mariah says while she feels safe at her King Kennedy Club she is saddened by the amount of violence in the community. “I wish,” she says softly, “people would stop harming themselves.”

Your donations enable Mariah and about 1,000 other Cleveland kids to have safe, fun places to go each day after school, places where they find caring adult mentors and get a hot meal.