Thousands of Southwest County youth have a new ride around town.
That’s because the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) gave away one of its retired buses to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County, which will use the vehicle to take children to and from educational and cultural events throughout Temecula and the surrounding area.
The non-profit group accepted the 2009 Chevrolet El Dorado bus during a ceremony at RTA’s Riverside headquarters. The 26-passenger vehicle has exceeded its recommended service life and is no longer capable of remaining in RTA’s active fleet, but remains in good condition and can accommodate two wheelchairs.
At the donation ceremony, club president and CEO Grant Anderson said the bus will be a valuable addition to the club, allowing staff to pick up kids after school and take them to the clubhouse at Kent Hintergardt Park in Temecula. The vehicle will also come in handy for fi eld trips and other after-school activities.
The club, which was established in 1991, serves more than 1,000 children each year through its before- and after- school programs, and summer break camps in Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore.
“Today is a great day for the children of Southwest County,” Anderson said. “This vehicle is going to help us ful fi ll our pledge to serve area youth and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.”
RTA Chair Linda Krupa said the vehicle program is prolonging the life of retired buses and helping non-profit groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs enhance their services.
“RTA is putting tax-payer dollars to good use by giving these vehicles a longer, more productive life,” she said. “We’re thrilled to put this vehicle into service right away.”
Among those attending the vehicle give-away were Temecula Mayor and RTA Boardmember Maryann Edwards, Boys and Girls Clubs Board Chairman Jeff Kurtz, and the club’s Director of Operations Daniqua Paul.
Edwards said she was proud to be part of an effort to energize the thriving program.
“This partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest County is just another way for RTA to make a difference in the community by enriching the lives of these children,” Edwards said. “Make no mistake, this vehicle is going to help a lot of children and we are happy to contribute to their success.”
