This week, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg Mary Street Unit Director Darlene Murphy arranged a yard decoration to celebrate staff members for Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — This week, Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg, alongside the National AfterSchool Association, is recognizing the dedicated staff members who work tirelessly to create a healthy and happy out-of-school hours experience during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week.

“We are fortunate to have a truly passionate staff who work so hard to facilitate high quality youth development programming,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Parkersburg CEO Lynn Reins said. “Being able to provide our Club kids with a group of trusted adults who care, celebrate and nurture them is crucial for their development, and we are so proud to be able to recognize them for all of their hard work this week.”

An estimated 7.8 million children participate in afterschool programs each year; for every child in an afterschool program, two more are waiting to get in. Along with celebrating staff members, Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week provides an opportunity for advocacy.

“Even in our small community, our staff members have a huge impact. They serve over 200 kids per day, always with a smile, compassion and patience. We hope you will join us in celebrating them and continue to advocate for job quality for these folks all throughout the year, and not just this week,” Reins said.

The Mary Street features an expansive yard decoration to show the community how much the staff members are loved and appreciated.

Throughout the week, staff members at the Mary Street sites will be treated to a self-care day facilitated by Reins, thank you cards, candy and homemade baked goods.

At the Mineral Wells site, the youth development professionals will receive gift cards, coupon cards, coffee and lunch.

With the help of local businesses who donated gift cards and treats, the Glouster Club will spoil staff members with a letter of appreciation and their favorite energy drink, lunch and care baskets.

“We hope these small tokens of appreciation help our staff members realize how much we love and appreciate them. They say it takes a village, and we’ve got a pretty incredible one. Our Club kids are so lucky,” Reins said.