This week, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are trying to raise money for their summer program. However, the club's overall financial outlook is still in question.

Fifeteen-year-old Gustaf Nelson started going to the after school program just months ago.

"It helps out with homework because before I kind of wanted to slack more. Now, I want to do it, so I do good," says Nelson.

Dixie Garber is trying raise money for the group. She has two kids who started going after her family moved to Timberville.

"So many children, this is their only option," says Garber. "And, if this option isn't available to them, where are they going to go?"

In April, the club's executive director, Todd Bale, wrote in a letter, the club had a goal of raising $175,000 by the end of the fiscal year, June 30.

As of Tuesday, Bale says the club still needs to raise $115,000.

"We all have a vested interest in [the kids'] success. And so, it takes money to do that, to keep these clubs open," says Bale.

This week, the organization is focused on its summer program, but the larger financial situation looms.

It's taking in less money in contributions from local schools and still paying debt on the Simms Center. However, Bale says the organization is not facing a shut down.

"We save lives, kids lives. It's empirically proven," says Bale.

"I think it's crucial. It's just imperative that these clubs continue, and that we're able to provide these options to the children because they take so much away from it. It's just incredible," says Garber.

Through Thursday, the club will be calling people looking for donations for scholarships for its summer program. Bale says this is the first year the club's offered need-based scholarships for the summer, and it's due to the economy.