NATCHEZ &045; As of noon Saturday, the Boys & Girls Club of the Miss-Lou had only signed up 10 new members &045; but that is only half the story.

The club already has more than 300 members, with more than 75 of them showing up on any given weekday afternoon for tutoring, recreation and other activities.

Executive Director Faye Minor wants the parents and guardians to know they can still sign children and youth up for the club at any time &045; and she expects them to take her up on it.

During the holidays, and with cold weather putting a chill on outdoor activities, Minor said it is not unusual that a small number signed up during the latest registration drive, held Thursday through Saturday.

&uot;But once kids start coming back after school starts again, we expect that number to rise,&uot; Minor said, adding that attendance was at its highest during the summer months.

For one thing, the club plans, starting this week, to strictly enforce a policy that requires members to present their B&GC identification card when entering.

That card is given to the child when a registration form filled out by his guardian is returned, along with the $10 annual fee, to the club.

Simply put &045; no registration, no admittance. &uot;That’s not our rule &045; that’s the national Boys & Girls Clubs’ policy,&uot; said the local club’s Matilda Stephens.

At the club, which is located in the former Sadie V. Thompson High School building on North Union Street, volunteers lead the club’s members in a variety of activities.

Those range from helping with homework &045; which the children must complete before going on to other activities &045; to tutoring and music, recreation and arts and crafts programs.

To volunteer, call Minor at 304-5548. Donations may be sent to Boys & Girls Club of the Miss, P.O. Box 781, Natchez, MS 39121.