J.W. Hutcherson is quick to point out that it's not about him -- it's about the kids. And that is what has fueled his efforts to work alongside others to assure the Lampasas Boys & Girls Club is a positive place for youths.

Because of widespread concern from the community that there wasn't any place for kids and enough for them to do, the Boys & Girls Club was established in the community.

It's one of five local clubs that comprise the Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas Inc. The others are Gatesville, Georgetown, Copperas Cove and Killeen, which is the largest of the five.

"Our club would not be here if it wasn't for the support from the others," said Hutcherson. "When we were beginning, we needed their financial, leadership and staffing support."

Hutcherson, the club's financial campaign chairman, is pleased with the upward direction the local club has taken, and with its more than 280 members, he points out that it has nearly doubled over the past six to seven months.

He attributes that to the leadership in the Lampasas club, as well as word getting out about its offerings and the club's improved image.

The Boys & Girls Club meets in a large facility on FM 580 East, but board members are testing the feasibility of occupying some space at the former Lampasas Middle School campus, which will be vacant when students move to the old Lampasas High School facility this month.

Trustees of the Board of the Lampasas Independent School District have been approached, but it is too early to make decisions about the LMS campus' use yet, said Hutcherson.

He has a broad vision of what the club can do for the community and who will benefit.

Hutcherson said the advantages of having the club in the downtown area are numerous and include the proximity to the Hanna Springs Swimming Pool, the proposed civic/convention center, a proposed nature park on donated land and the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden.

He said he could see the Boys & Girls Club using the middle school gyms, with adjacent land for an eventual new club facility, a club-operated teen center across from Badger Field, a shared indoor swimming pool, a miniature golf course and a skateboard venue, among other ideas.

"All of these things, while tremendously advantageous to the Boys & Girls Club, are equally valuable to most other Lampasas city and county residents," said Hutcherson. "They have a good probability of drawing people to the downtown area and offer wonderful widespread recreational and healthful activities for everyone."

Hutcherson said it also offers opportunities for drawing out-oftowners to Lampasas. "Together, they could represent an important attraction to future business/ industry, growth/employment opportunities."

He also said partnering with local entities such as the city of Lampasas, Lampasas Economic Development Board, Vision Downtown Lampasas!, Lampasas ISD, Kiwanis and Key clubs, or the Spring Ho Committee can provide a wealth of benefits for all involved.

"The belief is that we need to do something, and there's value in collectively getting together and talking about it, though I know no one is ready to commit to this yet."

Hutcherson reiterated that he understands no decisions have been made yet about the LMS site, and he said he is not trying to force anyone's hand.

"I am just trying to get people to think about what is best for the kids. Even if we don't get to use the LMS campus, I still believe a lot of this is feasible.

"But whatever they ultimately do with the middle school facilities, I still believe there is space for the Boys & Girls Club there," said Hutcherson.

He noted that the club already partners with several entities to sponsor athletics in the community. The club recently hired longtime coach, teacher and Lampasas resident Steve Roberts to oversee its athletic programs and to work with Unit Director Michael Blount on programming.

"We always said if we couldn't do it right, we weren't going to do it at all, and this gets us moving in the right direction with our commitment to do as good as it can be done," Hutcherson said. The club also is working with Grace Fellowship's Upward sports program, which sponsors flag and tackle football and basketball.

The Boys & Girls Club is offering soccer and soon volleyball will be added, he said, made possible through the city's facilities.

Hutcherson said the club's programs, activities and events would not be feasible without its annual fund-raising campaign. Dues of $20 per year don't cover the club's needs, and the Boys & Girls Club is looking to raise $30,000 through donations from business, organizations and individual contributions.

A number of Lampasans have given thus far, but the goal has not yet been met, he said. "I have faith we will meet it because I believe the Boys & Girls Club is important to this community, and our residents know this."

Hutcherson offered his thanks to several notable donors, including Bonilee Garrett, who said she is a proud supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Lampasas. "The club provides a safe, positive place for kids to learn, play, share and grow. Your support, as well as mine, is needed to ensure that this important community asset will prosper and grow."

The campaign director also thanked one local bank for its donation for this year's campaign.

"I know there are a lot of people in our community who support the kids and this program," he said.

Hutcherson said he will begin visiting businesses and individuals in the community to solicit funds. Those who wish to make a donation may send a check to Boys & Girls Club of Lampasas, 1602 East Avenue J, Lampasas, TX 76550.

For more information or for a presentation to a group, phone Hutcherson at 556-4832.