Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area is proud to announce it has been recognized as the 2025 Best Afterschool Program in South Carolina, a testament to the unwavering dedication of its staff and the transformative impact of its programs on local youth.
“This recognition reflects the passion of our dedicated team, the bright potential of the young people we serve, and the strength of our community,” said Neal Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. “We are honored to receive this distinction and remain committed to empowering more young minds across the Pee Dee Region.”
Since its launch, the program has served children and teens across the region — at Clubs in Florence, Hartsville, Hemingway, Lake City, Pamplico, and Timmonsville — fostering academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and leadership.
During the past year, the organization has:
- Offered safe, structured afterschool programming at six club sites, impacting more than 3,000 young people annually.
- Provided more than 160,000 healthy meals and snacks.
- Expanded services in Florence to serve 64 youth experiencing homelessness or without permanent housing, ensuring they have access to academic support, mentorship, and a safe place to belong.
“This award isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection of the lives being improved and the futures being brightened,” said Justin Newton, Florence Club Director. “Every day, we see perseverance, creativity, and hope in our kids, and that inspires everything we do.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area extends heartfelt thanks to all who cast their votes, supported the nomination, and championed our work. This milestone invigorates our resolve to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
For more information about our work or how you can invest in our youth, visit www.bgcpda.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area
Our mission is to inspire and enable all youth, from throughout the Pee Dee area, especially those that need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Our Clubs are located in Florence, Hartsville, Hemingway, Lake City, Pamplico, and Timmonsville and fill the gap between school and home with a welcoming, positive environment in which kids and teens have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults. For more information, visit www.BGCPDA.org or follow us @bgcpeedee on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkin.
- Academic Success: Graduating from high school ready for college, trade school, military, or employment
- Good Character & Leadership: Being an engaged citizen involved in the community, registered to vote, and modeling good character
- Healthy Lifestyles: Adopting a healthy diet, practicing healthy lifestyle choices, and making a lifelong commitment to fitness.
Best Of South Carolina
Best of South Carolina is an annual roundup of the best products and services you can find across the great state of South Carolina. View the full awards at https://guidetosouthcarolina.com/.
Throughout the year, readers of The Guide to South Carolina vote for everything they love in the Best of South Carolina annual awards. The votes are tabulated and compiled along with our editor’s picks and, voilà! The result is a fabulous resource that showcases great businesses across our state.
From seafood to seashores and healthcare to home repair, you’ll find organizations that deserve your attention. You’ll find the best contractors, accountants, lawyers, salons, and more. All at your fingertips, in print, online, and on social media.
