Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Boys and Girls Club Manager Philip Ornelas, left, and Favian Reyes man the club’s booth outside of Walmart.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley is an integral part of a number of youths’ upbringing during the school year. During the summer, that number increases exponentially – along with the time the children are at the club or its activities.
On Saturday, Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley Manager Philip Ornelas and Favian Reyes manned a booth outside of Walmart asking patrons to help “Stuff the Van” with items the club can use to help supply its summer program.
Ornelas thanked Walmart for letting the club set up in front of the store, which sells everything on the club’s wish list of donations.
“It’s really, really beneficial for us because it’s a long summer and we need a lot of different items,” Ornelas said. “In the summer, we have kids there from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., so we need everything from bandaids to napkins to sunscreen, which is very important for our field trips to the pool . . . Every item that we get – donations, money, whatever the case may be – it’s important for us because we definitely need it.”
The summer program for the Boys and Girls Club provides services from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes lunches. The program has a different theme each week and entertains while educating and has a variety of field trips.
“We take them to Lazer Tag, the swimming pool, the movies, and the golf course depending on what the theme is,” Ornelas said. “We try to get them out so they’re not just at the club the whole time because that kind of gets boring for any kid.”
Donations to the Boys and Girls Club are tax deductible and the club is still accepting help from those who can afford to do so.
“We appreciate everyone’s support,” Ornelas said.
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club click here, visit the club’s Facebook page, call Ornelas at 928-424-2102, or visit the club at 805 S. 7th Ave. in Safford.
