KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Local non-profits are feeling the impacts of COVID-19. In spite of new challenges, many still choose to serve.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley is serving families on the front lines of the pandemic.
Working from 4 hours a day to 12 is the new normal for staff members and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club.
Because of the order to stay home, the non-profit is open exclusively to help families on the front lines of this pandemic. That includes medical staff, grocers, pharmacists, first responders and other essential employees.
Many locations have changed their hours to open early as a convenience for parents. The sites listed below will be open in full operation:
Haslam (957 Irwin Street) 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Regal (967 Irwin Street) 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Halls Powell (1819 Dry Gap Pike) 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Northridge Crossing (3916 Carus Street) 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Blount County 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Loudon County 6:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m.
North Anderson County 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Meals will be served at all KCDC sites (Montgomery Village, Walter P Taylor, and Western Heights) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
According to President and CEO Bart McFadden, now more than ever, staff members are dedicated to serving kids that need them most.
"The overwhelming majority of our kids are coming from working class families,” said McFadden. “They've got to continue working, for their household income and for the safety of our community. Those kids need somewhere safe to go."
According to McFadden, the non-profit is complying with the guidelines made by the CDC. That means they're required to make groups smaller. The non-profit is operating at a 10 to 1 ratio. Kids are spread out across each facilities to maintain social distancing. Sanitation efforts have increased, and staff will serve kids three meals a day.
But McFadden says they are already feeling the effects of the pandemic financially.
The organization is now serving kids for 12 hours a day during a time where they would normally serve them for four hours.
McFadden believes expenses for the non-profit could increase by $15,000 dollars per week. But leaders are also thinking ahead about what resources they'll have to help families when this pandemic is over.
"When this situation is over, I think the economic impact, the needs of kids in this community may be higher than it’s ever been,” said McFadden. “And we've got to be prepared for those needs as well."
Boys and Girls Club is not the only nonprofit feeling the impact of this virus. Emerald Youth Foundation and Thrive are also asking for donations so they can continue to support families.