Deputies donate $10K to Boys & Girls Clubs

BIG DONATION-Standing with members of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff's Association board of directors, Tim Blaylock, head of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard & Port Hueneme, holds a check representing a $10,000 donation from the sheriff's union that will be used to help fund the area youth clubs. Last year, the VCDSA donated more than $73,000 to local charities.

The Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association Charitable Trust Fund donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The donation to the nonprofit will help support its programs benefiting youth in those communities.

Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs solicit corporate sponsorships to help offset expenses. The association has recognized that the Oxnard/

Port Hueneme Boys & Girls Clubs help young people in areas of the county where other youth agencies and services are scarce. Because of that, it boosted its financial support from $5,000 to $10,000 for the coming year.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs give young people alternatives and opportunities through education, athletics and mentoring programs," said Matt Findlay, president of VCDSA. "By get

ting kids off to a good start, keeping them safe and building their self-esteem, values and life skills, the Boys & Girls Clubs play a vital role in Oxnard and Port Hueneme, and we're glad to support them."

In 2005, the association donated more than $73,000 to local charities, with the largest amount going to groups throughout Ventura County that provide or support youth programs, activities and academics.