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I am writing this letter to highlight a remarkable flag football season that my son recently participated in through the Laurel Boys and Girls Club.

I was highly impressed at the professionalism of the commissioner, coaches and committees of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club flag football league. Everything was well organized, and communication was outstanding. The coaches were serious about practice and games and motivated the players to perform at a high level. My son, a 9-year-old fourth-grader, had never been so excited about participating in an organized sport. The first day, he told me, "Mom, this is going to be great," and he maintained that level of enthusiasm throughout the short season. My only wish is that the season could have been longer, and that they would have made the players run more!

It is my hope that more citizens of Laurel, government officials and other pertinent people be more aware of the mission of the Boys and Girls Club and do more to support it. It's a shame that such a wonderful organization that does so much for kids and their families, especially in the African-American communities, is subjected to a dilapidated building. Don't these people realize the impact this organization has on the community at large? It is time that this organization receives the support that it so desperately needs. If not for any other reason, then it should be for the children who may not have or be able to afford other opportunities to engage in organized sports, mentoring and other programs that the Boys and Girls Club offers.

In closing, to all those reading this letter, please take some time out and think about what you can do to help this organization survive and grow. I, too, am looking into ways I can help and make a difference, from attending advocacy meetings to calling residents of Laurel to get them to come out and vote for leaders who support the vision, mission and purpose of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club. And I am not alone. There are many advocating for this organization, and it is time our voices be heard.

Nicole Moore, Laurel