Clover after-school, summer enrichment center raises $700

Organizers of a second-hand sale to benefit an after-school and summer enrichment center at Clover’s Roosevelt Park raised about $700.

Liz Johnson, a board member for the Stellie J. Jackson Enrichment Center, said the project, Another Man’s Treasure at the Larne building on Friday and Saturday, didn’t raise as much as organizers hoped. Saturday’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival in downtown Clover was dampened by rainy weather, she said, and turnout was low.

However, Johnson said the board won’t give up in its quest to generate more revenue to help the center serve more children.

“People were generous to donate a lot of merchandise, and we hope to use that and have another sale in the near future,” Johnson said.

The event, which organizers had hoped might raise as much as $5,000, sold guitars, a keyboard, bicycles, toys, home decor items, clothing and more, she said.

“Nevertheless, we still have much more that we had to put back in storage,” she said. “Selling most of this merchandise is our goal and what little remains, we will donate to another charitable organization.”

The program serves about 10 elementary school-aged children after school and in the summer. To serve more children, the program needs more staff and space.

The center was established in 2012 in a mobile unit that was renovated by the town of Clover. Director Billie Burris and another part-time employee, Jeff Mont, are employed through the Clover YMCA. Shirley Williams is a volunteer.

The after-school program serves children from Kinard Elementary, who ride the school bus, and their parents pay $10 a week. Children are referred to the program by the school district.

The summer program, from 10 a.m. to noon Monday and Wednesday, serves children from across the district who are transported to the center by their parents.

Johnson said the summer program is an all-volunteer venture, but the board would like to offer volunteers some money for their service.

She said the board would like to launch a Bible class for adults and a parenting class. Burris said children who attend the program have daily devotions as well as homework help, enrichment and an emphasis on positive self esteem.

Johnson said the program is in the process of seeking formal status from the state as a nonprofit organization.

This story was originally published March 16, 2015 at 10:20 AM with the headline "Clover after-school, summer enrichment center raises $700."