Every day, young people walk through our Club doors carrying more than we can see.

They are full of potential but also navigating loss, uncertainty, and challenges far bigger than they should have to face alone. What they need most isn’t a solution or a speech. They need someone to show up.

That’s where Colby’s story begins.

Colby is a 16-year-old member of the Boys & Girls Club who has stepped into a new season of leadership by volunteering his time at the Club. As one of the oldest members, he’s intentional about serving as a positive role model by supporting staff, helping with activities, and leading by example. What stands out most about Colby is his kindness. He treats every child with respect and goes out of his way to make them feel welcome and valued.

Colby dreams of attending law school one day so he can defend those who need it most. For now, he’s channeling his energy into track and field at Priceville High School and into leadership roles at the Club.

Last year, Colby experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father to suicide, an unimaginable pain for someone so young. In the midst of grief, he faced a choice: to withdraw or to reach for support. Colby chose to lean on his Club family. Surrounded by caring staff and peers, he found a safe place to process his emotions, regain stability, and keep moving forward.

When Colby lost his father, Miss Mo, the Club’s Tween Advisor, and the entire Club family rallied around him. Staff made sure he knew he wasn’t alone. His peers showed up with handwritten notes and cards, small gestures that carried deep meaning. During that time, the Club became more than an afterschool program. It became his second family.

Even while carrying his own loss, Colby continued to show up. He stayed committed to school, volunteered his time at the Club, and helped younger members with homework and activities. He often sacrificed his own free time to support programs, knowing how much the kids looked up to him.

Today, Colby is an honor student at Priceville High School and an active member of Torch Club, where he takes on leadership roles and mentors younger members. He has been recognized as Youth of the Year, an honor he continues to live out through his character, service, and quiet leadership.

One afternoon, when a couple of seventh graders were struggling with their math homework, Colby noticed their frustration and stepped in to help. He patiently explained the problems and encouraged them through mistakes. By the end of the session, the students weren’t just finished. They were confident. That’s who Colby is. He doesn’t just talk about kindness. He lives it.

Colby’s story is powerful, but it isn’t unique.

Every day, kids like him come through our doors. Full of potential. Carrying heavy burdens. Hoping someone will notice, care, and show up. And when that happens, everything can change.

For Colby, someone showed up. In fact, many people did.

This Christmas Eve, we want to say thank you to our staff, our volunteers, and our community for showing up for kids when it matters most. Because of you, hope lives here.

In the days ahead, we’ll invite you to help us continue this work so that when the next child walks through our doors needing support, someone will be there to show up for them, too.

Thank you for being part of their story.

Together, we can ensure more children like Colby find hope, healing, and belonging at the Boys & Girls Clubs. To support children like Colby, please visit bgcnal.com/donate. *All stories have been approved by children and their parents, or guardians