County residents should be wary of callers soliciting money for the Boys and Girls Club in Cherokee County.

Area director Vance Hammond has received several calls in recent weeks from concerned citizens about bogus calls made by individuals claiming to represent the organization.

"These solicitations have ranged from a pizza party to candy sales. Our current fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club is a Steak 'n Stake Dinner on Aug. 14," Hammond said. "Economic times are tough. People need money and some will say or do anything to get it. The board, club members, staff and myself will always protect the trust our community gives us with their contribution, and even more valuable is the trust in serving the youth of Cherokee County, our greatest resource."

The Boys and Girls Club is dealing with improper solicitation calls as work heats up for its biggest fundraiser, a Steak 'n' Stake Dinner. Past guests have included 1980 Heisman Trophy Winner George Rogers from the University of South Carolina and former Clemson football coach Danny Ford. This year's guest has not been announced.

"Our fundraising is done by mail on Boys & Girls Club letterhead with contact information and the names of our Board of Directors," Hammond said.

Tickets are now on sale for the Steak 'n' Stake Dinner to be held Aug. 14 at the Boys and Girls Club. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Bill's Lok & Key, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Boys and Girls Club.

This year's event is designed to showcase recent renovations at the club funded with the support of Keystone Construction, volunteers, the Timken Foundation, and Cherokee County Foundation, Hammond said. The renovations have allowed the club to operate an expanded summer program and Teen Center for students this summer.

The Boys & Girls Club is serving 162 members ages 6 to 18 in after-school, summer camp programs and teen club activities. In August, the club's membership will grow to more than 250 students.

"We are serving more youth every day and have a longstanding reputation in the community as making a difference," Hammond said. "As a nonprofit organization we need the community's support more than ever in making sure that we can provide a positive place for our members."