Open house today at Bluff youth center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The W.E. Sears Youth Center Community Liaison Council will hold an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the youth center.

The council is a non-profit group that hopes to be a positive influence to the youngsters at the center.

Janet Brown, a member of the council, said that volunteering with these children gives her a positive feeling and hel

It is also the oldest continuously active liaison council in the state. It was founded in 1988, and Brown has been an active member since that time.

"Volunteering with these kids gives me a positive feeling of helping persons less fortunate than I, in that, they were not given the opportunities in life to have a positive outlook," stated Brown. "These kids don't have the positive family and friend relationships that most of us have." The council looks to extend its membership.

"We are looking for new people who can bring new ideas into our group," said Brown. "We are seeking new ideas and new views."

Brown said, "We are just looking for somebody that can devote time to the boys as a role model. Even if a member can only attend two or three meetings a year -- we just want someone who can make a positive influence on the lives of these boys."

The council's main goal is to be a bridge between the community and the youth. It also coordinates activities for the children such as bowling, skating, fishing, concerts and sporting events.

The council has also helped the children of Sears Youth Center become involved in community service opportunities such as the Butler County Fair, community beautification projects, community cleanup, Senior Olympics, Special Olympics and walk-a-thons.

The youths are also active with such community groups as RSVP, Shriners, Community Betterment Council, Butler County Fair Board, Chamber of Commerce and many local churches.

And the children really do benefit from the kindness of the volunteers. Brown said that because of volunteer efforts, the rate of return to the Sears Youth Center is below national average.

The council will sponsor an open house at the Sears Youth Center from 6 to 8 p.m. today. This will allow those not familiar with the youth center a chance to "come in and look around."

People interested in joining may attend the open house or attend a regular meeting held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the Sears Youth Center on U.S. 67 North in Poplar Bluff.