Hundreds of kids attending the Boys and Girls Club of Menifee Valley have a new reason to smile.
That’s because the non-profit group last week took delivery of a 2009 Chevrolet El Dorado bus during a ceremony at the new club. The vehicle has exceeded its recommended service life and is no longer capable of remaining in the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) active fleet, but remains in good condition and can accommodate two wheelchairs.
At the donation ceremony, Boys and Girls Club Chair Sue Kristjansson, a former Menifee City Councilwoman, said the 38-passenger bus will be used to take dozens of children to and from educational and cultural events throughout Menifee and the surrounding area. The club has been growing by leaps and bounds since it opened two years ago on the site of the former Menifee Elementary School. Today, the club has 1,500 members and roughly 300 children attend its after-school programs, she said.
“We are so excited for our children who are part of this thriving club,” Kristjansson said. “This vehicle is going to serve a lot of very deserving youngsters.”
Among those attending the vehicle give-away event were Riverside County District Five Supervisor Marion Ashley, District Five Legislative Assistant Barry Busch, and Jurupa Valley Councilman Frank Johnston - all of whom hold positions on the RTA Board of Directors. Johnston is the chairman of the RTA Board.
Johnston said he was proud to be part of an effort to energize the new program.
“We are thrilled to put this vehicle to good use and truly make a difference in the lives of children who are part of this club,” Johnston said.
Ashley contributed $40,000 from District Five’s Community Improvement funds to launch the Boys and Girls Club of Menifee Valley. He said the organization will open up a variety of activities and programs that some children otherwise would not experience.
“This vehicle is going to help a lot of children,” he said. “This is a growing club and we are happy to contribute to its success.”
