Residents from around southern Illinois stopped in for a bowl of chili in Marion Saturday evening, a tasty way to support the Boyton Street Community Center.
"This is the only fundraiser that we have," said director Stephanie Willis.
Even though the crowds kept piling through the door, filling tables set up to serve chili, hot dogs, drinks, and desserts, Willis said the center's board is looking at other possible fundraisers since the funding sources have begun drying up.
Willis has been at the helm since the center was built in 1987. While the center serves several populations, she is quick to say that the kids keep her coming back.
"I like working with the kids, the families, and community members," she said.
In its 30-year existence, the center has served hundreds of kids.
"In September, we had a 30-year anniversary," said Willis. "One of the young ladies who got her Ph.D. spoke about the center and how it did wonders for her."
Willis said that the after-school "All Star" program is the center's main focus right now.
"We have 55 kids enrolled that come here each week," she said.
That program is "holistic," according to Willis. While the students get homework help and supervised work time, Willis said it also "deals with families, teaching them life skills, and provides social skills for the kids."
Marilyn Tucker has two daughters that participate in the All Stars program, both of whom were volunteering as servers for the event. She said the fundraiser was important in other ways.
"It gets people in so they can see what the center is about," she said, "but it's good for the kids to work and learn we have to do these things in life. As you grow up, you have to take part."
While funding is always needed, Willis said center's main need at the moment is volunteers.
"We're in desperate need of volunteers," she said. "We're looking for people from churches that work with kids, retired teachers, or substitute teachers."
Willis said there is a process for volunteers that includes an application, state screening, and training.
"That's it, really," she said. "We need people to help with specialized learning, reading, listening to the kids read, math, and spelling."
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the center at (618) 997-1113.
