The nonprofit operates seven clubs each day after school and on Saturdays. The goal is to create a positive and safe environment where young people can connect with trained and caring staff.

“Because we are such a low-cost option for kids while they’re out of school, and with the economy the way it is, we have seen more people coming,” said Amber Moore, director of community and corporate partnerships.

The nonprofit serves 4,300 youngsters in Raleigh and surrounding communities, up from 4,100 last year. Parents “are taking extra jobs or just need help taking care of their kids.”

Full-time, trained youth development professionals act as role models and mentors. Part-time staff and volunteers also provide support.

Here’s a look at how to help.

Donations Needed: Gifts for the Cameron Village “It Takes a Village” program. Five “Angel Trees” are hung with more than 600 members’ holiday wishes in Cameron Village stores. Visit shopcameronvillage.com for details.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed to provide after-school homework help, particularly in math and science. The organization also needs people to coach basketball. Visit www.wakebgc.org.

The nonprofit recently launched a healthy-living initiative to encourage kids to stay physically active and eat nutritious foods. A $12 million capital campaign seeks to pay for, among other things, a new teen center at the Raleigh Boulevard campus.

$10 would buy: A membership for a child to attend Boys & Girls Clubs for one year. (Membership fees are $7.50 per year.)

$20 would buy: A holiday gift for a child in the “It Takes A Village” program.

$50 would buy: One week of homework assistance, tutoring and art programming for a Boys & Girls Club member.

Contact: Amber Moore, 919-834-6282.