“That doesn’t sound like much fun,” Shuttleworth remembered saying.

“No,” the boy said.  “I just go on the computer.  My parents are both working, and they don’t get home until after six, so I can’t go anywhere else.”

The boy couldn’t attend an after school activity because, like many children in Union 47 and Bath, he lived in a rural area and there was no way to get him to and from a music class, a sports activity, or even the library.

Shortly after that conversation, Shuttleworth created the Help a Kid program for kids in Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich.  He wrote to local businesses, asking them to donate a small sum to provide support for the students who needed an after school program, but for  whom money or transportation were barriers.

The response was overwhelming.

Help a Kid has provided money for children to attend the YMCA, the Skate Park, enroll in music programs, sports programs, computer classes, Tae Kwon Do, dance, art, theater, and more.  Over a hundred children have been served so far ... kids who would have been sitting home alone from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. every day.

Now, Shuttleworth wants to expand the program into Bath, where an estimated 250 children go home alone after school every day.  Once again, he began a letter-writing campaign ... on Valentine’s Day ... and once again, the business community has responded generously.  There have also been many private donations.

Children who participate in the program are often identified first by teachers.  However, parents who have not been approached but want to get their child involved should speak to the teacher or guidance counselor. 

In addition to the business community’s support, many groups are giving scholarships of their own to aid in the effort, or offering classes in many subjects at no charge.  Universe Gym, for instance, gave several year-long memberships to teens aged 15 and older.  The Bath YMCA gave scholarships to its after-care program.  Chess clubs, newspaper clubs, and art classes have sprung up at schools, preventing the need for transportation to the program.

Recent research has shown that students who engage in at least one quality after school program are four times more likely to be on the honor roll.  A ten-year study in Michigan revealed that kids who participate in after school activities have better school attendance and are more likely to graduate from high school.

On the flip side, children who are not involved are nearly 50% more likely to get involved with drugs, according to one government study.  Children who are alone in the critical after school hours are also more likely to experiment with smoking, get involved in petty crime, and are exposed to early sexuality.

One hundred percent of all the dollars that flow into the Help a Kid program go back out to serve children.  Shuttleworth and his office staff absorb all the administrative costs for the program.  Donations are also tax-deductible.

To donate to the program, send a check to Help a Kid Program, c/o Union 47, 123B State Road, West Bath, Maine, 04530, or call 443-1113 and speak to Karla Burnham to find out how you can help.  If you are a parent or student and would like to participate in a program, contact your teacher or guidance counselor and they will help you get involved.

“On Saturday, I stopped into the Skate Park and watched a boy defy gravity,” Shuttleworth said.  “This was a child who has struggled with school, and goes home to an empty house as two parents do their best to put food on the table.  On behalf of the children of Bath, I thank everyone who has or will donate from the bottom of my heart.”