MASSENA -- The Boys and Girls Club of Massena is putting together the roster of volunteers in the community and local colleges who have been waiting for the chance to offer their time and talents.

"As soon as people started to hear about the plans to launch a Boys & Girls Club in Massena last year, they have been asking us to let them know when and how they could volunteer," explained Patricia Wilson of the BGCM Board of Directors. "We are ready!"

The club is preparing to launch a part-time program that will be hosted at Jefferson Elementary School with funding from the Alcoa Foundation and a partnership with Massena Central School District.

"This is an ideal opportunity as we continue our efforts toward completing our building renovations and opening our club on a full-time basis by September 2015," Wilson added.

Volunteers are needed to work with elementary school students in grades 4-6 during the part-time pre-launch.

Modeled from proven Boys & Girls Club of America programs, the Massena program offerings will incorporate academic tutoring, recreation, technology education, and leadership and character-building activities, according to Wilson. Volunteers will assist the program director and program assistants in leading the activities.

The program starts in mid-October at Jefferson Elementary School after school, from 3 to 6 p.m. two days a week. Volunteers can choose to work on Tuesday, Wednesday, or both days, but in any case need to commit to the full three hours on the day or days they work.

Volunteers must be 18 or older and must have at least a high school degree or equivalent. Each must pass a background check and drug test in order to work with club kids.

Required training for interested volunteers will be held on the evening of Sept. 29.

"We have had a number of college students and their advisers express an interest in volunteering at the club," Wilson said. "For those students whose class schedules for the fall semester won't fit with our program hours, we would still encourage them to sign up now and attend the training on Sept. 29 so everything will be ready for them to join us in the spring."

The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Massena is "to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens."

To be a part of that mission as a club volunteer, let the Boys and Girls Club of Massena know of your interest before Sept. 29 by clicking on the volunteer link at BGCMassena.org to learn more and complete the Volunteer Application forms, or send an email requesting more information to info@BGCMassena.org and include "Volunteer" in the subject line.