Boys, Girls Club a tremendous loss

What do Denzel Washington, Shaq, Jennifer Lopez, Mario Lopez and Bill Cosby all have in common, other than being famous? They are all went to the Boys and Girls Club.

Now I am not famous, but I am a product of Nogales, Ariz., and a product of the Boys and Girls Club. It’s disappointing to hear that the Nogales City Council voted down a recent request to help fund the club. This organization provides kids a safe, productive place and is a much better alternative than the streets.

When I was about 13 years old I got to help start the Boys and Girls Club in Nogales and became part of the family there. That club brings back a lot of memories and I know that in the last 16 years that it has opened its doors to the community, and it has most definitely changed people’s lives.

What is going to happen to all the families that depend on this club? What about the children whose lives have yet to be touched by this wonderful organization?

So I’m not famous, but I’m proud of what I have accomplished in my life. Because of the Boy and Girls Club, I learned that helping your community is of the utmost importance. The fact the club is now forced to close its doors is incredibly unfortunate and a sad commentary on the City of Nogales.

Rebeca Hoeffer

Peoria, Ariz.