Boys & Girls Club employee Handley is Citizen of the Month

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Local resident Sam Handley, who has spent 40 years working with youth at Boys & Girls Clubs, was honored by the Menifee City Council on Wednesday at Menifee’s Citizen of the Month.

Handley has worked for the Menifee Boys & Girls Club for most of its 10-year existence, coordinating programs and being a positive role model for the youth. He recently retired for medical reasons after four decades of service with the clubs.

The outpouring of love for Handley was evident in the attendance of families he has served in Menifee. There was a standing room only crowd, with attendees spilling over into the lobby of City Hall to hear the presentation.

“The kids love Mr. Sam,” said Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “He talks to them about responsibility, how to be a better person, and teamwork. To have someone who has given them that foundation is really special.”

“It’s been a real blessing,” Handley said about his time at the club. “I lost a brother at age 17 and I was a bitter and angry person. I decided to volunteer at the local Boys & Girls Club, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“Thank you to the families for trusting your children with us.”