For kids and teens, having a place to belong and the guidance of positive adult mentors can have a profound impact—it helps build confidence, fosters a strong sense of self, and lays the foundation for a great future. That’s why we’re excited to announce our first VB Gives Back partner of 2025: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nationwide network of local Clubs that provide safe spaces for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.  

Since its inception, Boys & Girls Clubs has been a thought leader in youth development, with a mission to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” 

Boys & Girls Clubs offers a wide range of non-school-hour programming in areas like education, sports, the arts, and leadership—supporting young people in gaining the tools needed to excel in their future careers and lead successful, healthy lives. Whether it’s teaching app design and development in the Computer Science Pathway or fostering self-expression through music and photography, 5,400 Boys & Girls Clubs serve over 3.3 million kids across the country each year. 

And the impact is undeniable: Boys & Girls Club alumni have gone on to achieve incredible feats, from becoming accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders to excelling as Olympians, award-winning actors, and major league athletes. Its impressive list of alums includes the likes of Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Misty Copeland, A-Rod, Ciara, and Usher, after all. 

BGCA’s extensive range of programs is designed to help kids develop critical life skills—skills that set them up for future success. From goal setting and problem-solving to collaboration, building confidence, and learning how to manage stress, Club members gain valuable tools for life. And the numbers speak for themselves:  

- 97% of Club teens expect to graduate from high school—well above the national average of 87%. The statistics also show that Clubs positively impact grades, career interests, and leadership skills and help reduce the likelihood of substance abuse. 

- 91% of Club members understand how their feelings influence their actions, 86% feel comfortable standing up for what they think is right, and 80% know techniques for self-soothing—all essential tools for personal growth. 

- More than half of Club members get an hour of physical exercise five or more days per week, promoting both physical and mental well-being, while 89% develop strong teamwork skills through the Club’s various sports and recreation programs. 

By donating to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, you’re investing in the success of millions of kids across the country. Every dollar goes towards ensuring Clubs have the necessary resources to provide high-quality programming, strong mentor support, and professional development for staff. Whether it’s providing more kids access to tech in STEM programs or creating safe spaces for after-school activities, your support makes an impactful difference in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. 

From now through the end of March, VB Gives Back will be supporting BGCA through donating a portion of all online orders and an array of in-store give-back events.