The Boys and Girls Club of Ames will celebrate “Lights on After School!” Thursday, as part of a nationwide event honoring the importance of after-school programs.

The program is coming back for its second year in Ames and has been going on three years at the national level, said Hillary Reed, chair of the event.

“These programs keep kids safe and give them a place to go when there are working families involved,” she said.

Reed said students in the program benefit academically.

“[The program] not only offers fun and entertainment to the kids, [it] helps them with their homework so they can get ahead in school,” she said.

Sarah Bohnker, arts programmer for the Boys and Girls Club of Ames, said the program is a resource for children.

“There are computers they can have access to and there is an after-school snack program,” she said. “There are sports, arts and crafts, and even social recreation events such as pool available, so the kids are always well taken care of.”

The program teaches children to cooperate with others, said Bohnker, senior in elementary education.

“Most importantly, the kids are able to interact with the volunteers and their peers,” she said. “It’s a good experience for them to be able to get to know these people who care so much about them.”

This year’s events include stories, games, a talent show and a general informational session, Bohnker said.

Bohnker said this year’s talent show, “Lighten Up,” will feature the children’s jokes and stories, dancing and a spin-off version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

Parents and community members are welcome to attend at 5:00 p.m. Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club of Ames, 210 S. 5th St., she said.

“We are really looking to up membership,” Bohnker said. “Anyone is welcome to come be a part of us. For this event, we are just hoping there is a good number of people who come and actually see what we are all about.”