Stay cool, stay warm, and stay curious!
February 4, 2026
Casting for a Cause: The 37th Annual Irwin Food City Bass Tournament is Back!
February 13, 2026
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, we often talk about our “big picture” goals: academic success, character building, and helping kids reach their full potential. But this past week reminded us that sometimes, our most vital role is simply being there when it matters most.
When the Region Paused, Our Doors Stayed Open
As winter weather swept through East Tennessee, school districts across the region made the call to close. For many families, that “snow day” excitement comes with a side of stress: Who will watch the kids while I’m at work? Will they be safe? What about lunch?
To support our community’s working parents, our Clubs stepped up. Many of our locations remained open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., ensuring that instead of being home alone or looking after younger siblings, our members had a warm, safe, and productive place to go.
Impact by the Numbers
While the roads kept some away, the need was still great:
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500+ Young People: The number of members we served daily throughout the weather closures.
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11 Hours: The daily window we provided for parents who couldn’t afford to miss a shift.
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Countless Smiles: From hands-on science to gym games, the energy never dipped.
A Week Full of Growth (and Fun!)
Just because school was out didn’t mean the learning stopped. Our members turned their “days off” into days of discovery:
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STEM in Action: Engaging in hands-on science experiments.
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Life Skills: Testing out new recipes in our cooking experiences.
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Leadership: Older members stepped up as peer mentors for the younger kids.
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Staying Active: Burned off plenty of energy in the gym with friends.
Most importantly, these kids stayed connected to the adult mentors who cheer them on every day. That consistency is the “secret sauce” of what we do.
You Made This Possible
We exist to fill the gaps during out-of-school time, but we don’t do it alone. Your generosity ensures that when the unexpected happens, we have the staff, the snacks, and the space ready to welcome these 500+ kids.
Check out the photos below for a glimpse of the energy inside the Clubs this week! We’re excited for our members to head back to their classrooms, but we’re even more proud that their time with us was meaningful, safe, and—most of all—fun.
Thank you for standing with us and for helping our kids continue becoming their best selves.
