BRATTLEBORO — The Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro is seeking donations to fund its purchase of a used van. The club has existed in Windham County since 1999.
Since its inception, it has expanded to include three locations, serving hot and nutritious free dinners for children, and a summer camp program serving more than 60 kids this summer.
Its mission is, “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.”
In order for the club to continue to fulfill its mission, it requires a reliable vehicle to safely transport groups of children and teenagers.
Until recently, the club has operated a 15-passenger van.
According to Executive Director Beth Baldwin, the 2001 van is crucial in ensuring the safety of their members who attend “Teen Night,” a weekly late night program that provides seventh-graders through 18-year-olds with a safe Friday night hang out featuring movies, bands, DJs, and skate jams.
After an incident more than two years ago, when a member was brutally attacked while walking home, Baldwin said the club started driving members home at 11 p.m. on Friday nights to assure their safety.
“Every week, the van is full,” said Baldwin.
The van is also used on a daily basis to transport kids to swimming holes, hikes, sports, and more. With most parents needing to work throughout the summer, the van is essential to help provide affordable quality programs.
In March, club leaders learned that the van needed $7,000 in repairs and deemed it unsafe for extended travel.
Recently, the club found a replacement for the van and secured a loan to purchase a used micro-bus from Meeting Waters YMCA.
However, the micro-bus is still not paid for. The club has managed to raise about half of the needed funds, but still need to raise $5,000 to take ownership of the bus.