UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 4
September 26, 1996
Making it work: Volunteers help United Way agency

     Linda and John Hollis volunteer their time with the Western
Sussex Boys and Girls Clubs. An administrative assistant in the
Office of Alumni and University Relations in Georgetown, Linda is
a 1966 UD graduate, and John is a member of the Class of 1967.
     As president of the Sussex County club's board of directors,
John has been involved in raising money to build a $3.5 million
new building, with a ground-breaking ceremony expected to take
place this fall.
     "There's a real need for a Boys and Girls Clubs in our
area," Linda, who describes herself as a "working volunteer,"
said. "We don't even have a movie theatre, so there is very
little for children to do. Also, since teen pregnancy is high,
we're anxious to have an organization in our area that will help
teens make the right decisions about important issues they will
face."
     The new building also will have a senior citizens' center,
so a wide range of ages will benefit.
     According to John, "It is satisfying to see several local
communities working together to make this dream a reality.
     "I also have seen many positive results in the young people
associated with the Boys and Girls Club. Grades have improved and
attitudes have changed, and that's because opportunities have
been provided that never existed before."
     Local restaurants held special nights during the year and
guest wait staff gave their tips to the club building fund.
     An annual week-long youth festival highlights former local
athletes who have become professional sports stars. There also is
a career fair, basketball games, bowling tournament, role model
banquet and card show. Local organizations also have been
encouraged to held fund raising events.
     "The most satisfying thing," Linda said, "is realizing that
this building will become a reality."