By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Boys & Girls Club of Marshall County began its “One” campaign with a big kick start.
At the fundraiser’s kick off breakfast, Honorary Chairperson and local businessman Al Collins presented the club with a $10,000 head start to their goal of $110,000. The money will keep the Boys and Girls Club running at full speed for the coming year.

“I’m excited about the Boys & Girls Club,” said Collins. “I’m impressed with the enthusiasm of the staff for what they do. That kind of enthusiasm is very compelling.”
Collins himself was a “Boys & Girls Club kid” in his youth in Muncie. His first-hand experience with the club is what makes him want to help
“It was exciting to show up there everyday and find out what we were going to do,” said Collins. “I am amazed at the amount of programs our club here has. These are our kids and we need to take care of them.”
Also speaking at the breakfast, Fred Paulke of the national office of Boys & Girls Clubs echoed that theme.
“When I started volunteering what touched me was working with the kids,” he said. “In a lot of ways you become surrogate parents for them. We always have to remember that whatever we’re doing, we’re doing for the kids.”
He urged volunteers to tell those children’s story as they begin the “One” campaign to raise money for the club.
“Times are tough, but people who need us most, need us more in tough times.”