Volunteers Become Club Family

Eugene Trotter (LEFT) and Danen “Day-Day” Ridgers (RIGHT)

West Fresno Club celebrating volunteers

The West Fresno Club celebrated years of volunteerism by hosting a small ceremony for Eugene Trotter and Danen “Day-Day” Rogers (pictured). All of the Club members gathered in the gym to thank them for their friendship and the volunteer coordinator, Amaris Castillo presented them with gifts.

“Every day Eugene and Day-Day volunteer their time to assist with programs for our youth at the West Fresno Boys & Girls Clubs and we are so grateful for their kindness and the time they share with our youth. I truly believe West Fresno would not be the same without Eugene and Day-Day. With that being said, we just want to say thank Eugene and Day-Day for showing up every day to serve our youth and for putting in the work it takes to enable our youth to reach their full potential. It takes a village to raise a child-- Eugene and Day-Day are a huge part of our village,” said Castillo.

Eugene has been volunteering at the West Fresno Club for 5 years. His mother thought an environment like the Boys & Girls Club would help him develop skills he lacked as a person with special needs. Eugene has been able to gain work experience by practicing time management, logging in his hours every day, and helping with everyday tasks. He takes out the trash, wipes down tables, passes out snacks to the younger members, and so much more. The Club is a better place when he is around.

Day-Day started volunteering 10 years ago! At first, volunteering was a way for him to gain work experience with a flexible schedule but it soon became much more. Day-Day looks forward to seeing the younger kids every day because they always make him smile. With this many years of service, Day-Day has watched some of the West Fresno members become young adults. He says he is always surprised by how quickly they accept him for who he is and trust him.

“We want to say thank you to all the kids and staff at the Club because you make us feel like family,” said Day-Day.