Good News Club celebrates the end of school year

FALLBROOK – The Good News Club, an after school program for La Paloma Elementary, celebrated the end of the school year, May 16, with a trophy presentation for Scriptures memorized, a five minute video recapping events of the year, and finished off with Little Caesar’s Pizza.

The students added color to a large cross, pictured, by coming forward with sticky notes to represent their prayers. “These kids are the best and we are so proud of them,” said Colleen Sharp, club organizer.

The club has been meeting in the Fallbrook Community Center for the past two years. It started with six children and has grown this year to 18-20. The club accepts Kindergarteners through sixth graders.

“It is a large gap in ages but, dividing into discussion groups is the secret. The little

ones think the older kids are wonderful,” said Sharp.

More adults wanted to help this year, she said, so to be effective, “we all have to be on the same page.” Just to be around the children, a training schedule is required. It involves a background check, fingerprinting, four hours of video training and a 15 minute interview centering on Christ.

“It is important that our children are safe and feel included. I might add, after three weeks of attending, they receive a bright blue shirt. When I gave a shirt to one worker he said, ‘Now I feel like I belong here!’” said Sharp.

They hope to add a new club at Live Oak Elementary beginning in October while Bonsall Elementary and Vivian Banks Charter School in Pala have been waiting for a club since last year.

“Volunteers are needed! Our kids need to know about Jesus’ love and forgiveness. We need adults who will guide and protect the children’s minds. If they have no direction, they will follow anyone anywhere,” said Sharp.

“At Good News Club there is a job for everyone. Come and see what’s going on. If you want to have the time of your life, join us! We thank those who donated funds and time. To a Team who went far beyond what was needed. Thanks to those in the background of our organization. We appreciate Village News for giving us a way to make Clubs like ours known,” added Sharp.

The directors of CEF and Good News Clubs of N. San Diego are Ferdinand and Heather Tobias, Fallbrook. For more information, go to https://cefnorthsandiego.com/.

Submitted by the Good News Club.