Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We’re reaching out to you today with heavy hearts and a hopeful spirit. Recently, our beloved Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland, Ossian E. Carr branch experienced a heartbreaking theft that has impacted us all. Our kids’ computer lab was robbed of every computer, every mouse, monitor, and plug – new computers that they’d only just begun to use not even a year ago. Each of their brand new smart televisions was stolen. Their new gaming console, all of their controllers and games, and their tabletop arcade gaming station. Our staff laptop was stolen as well and beyond that, the children’s Halloween candy, snacks, and drinks were taken. Our kids walked into their Club, a home away from home and a safe haven for them, and instantly felt that void that heavily affects our programs, gathering, and most importantly, their safety. Our fences have been destroyed and the doors are significantly damaged as a result of the person or persons that stopped at nothing to ensure they were able to get into our building.

The Boys and Girls Club is more than just a building; it’s a hub for connection, learning, and support. It’s where we come together to provide our community’s youth with a space to have fun, explore, engage, and celebrate. Without these essential items, we struggle to provide the welcoming, safe environment we all cherish.

How You Can Help

We are launching a fundraising campaign to be able to pay the insurance deductible that will hopefully cover the costs to replace the stolen items, repair the doors and fences, and restore our treasured Carr Branch to its full potential. There are so many ways that you can make a difference and we hope that you will be willing to do at least one of the following:

1. Monetary Donations: Every dollar counts! No contribution is too small. You can donate directly through GoFundMe. All proceeds will go directly to our insurance deductible and, should we be fortunate enough to surpass our goal, towards the enhancement of security measures at the Clubhouse.

2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and anyone you know. The more people are aware, the more support we can gather.

3. Volunteer Your Time: Join us for fundraising events and community gatherings. Your help in organizing and promoting these efforts is invaluable.

4. In-Kind Donations: If you have spare furniture or recreational items that could benefit BGCO, please reach out.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Friends, let’s come together as a community to restore what was taken from us, from our youth. Your support not only helps replace the stolen items but also sends a powerful message: we care about our community, we care about Oakland, and we will not let this setback define us.

Thank you for considering this plea.

With gratitude,

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland staff and members