‘To serve the youth’ Boys & Girls Club celebrates 75 years in Palm Springs
The Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs is celebrating 75 years of serving the desert community.
Since 1948, the organization has called this spot on Sunrise Way home along with the thousands of kids and volunteers throughout the years.
“They've helped us turn this into a facility that youth can use in preparing their homework, other type of learning activities," said Kevin Corcoran, Board Vice President of the Boys & Girls club of Palm Springs. "We are very blessed to have amazing facilities to continue on our mission to serve the youth.”
On Thursday, the organization welcomed its new and improved Panda Cares Center of Hope.
Corcoran tells us the space will help kids and teens expand their creative freedom.
“The ability for us to bring in new programs that influence youth in lots of different ways, has really been strategic and been effective. And we're proud of the support we've had, and the support for these kids. Because these are kids in our community who need a break and need some special help along the way," said Corcoran.
It also won the approval of Camila, who's been coming here for a year.
"What's your favorite room?"
"The gym and I need to explore this room but this might be my second favorite," said 8-year-old Camila.
It was a hit for teen volunteer Ashley, who’s been here for the last 10 years.
“It's like insane because like I'm like here volunteering and helping kids do a craft and like knowing that I was in their position 10 years ago. And honestly, it's really it's a really nice feeling," said Ashley.
Since 1948, the Boys and Girls Club has been a place that inspires youth. For 10-year-old Lilith, who’s been here for two years, she's been working toward her ultimate dream.
“I want to be in like an artist one day I want to animate like a cartoon maker one day. That'd be cool," said Lilith.
The club offers a range of activities and programs, but her obvious favorite is art.
“We do art every day. Once in a while we don't It's okay. But most of the time we usually do and when I go home, I usually do some art just in general just have fun," Lilith said.
It’s this kind of passion and drive, that Executive Director Margaret Keung, says makes being a part of this club so rewarding.
“My favorite part is having a bad day and then coming down to the club, coming downstairs to the club and playing basketball with the kids ping pong and just talking to them. It makes me feel young and that is the best part of my job," said Keung.
In honor of the 75th anniversary, the Panda Express donated $10,000 and Desert Care Network donated $5,000 toward the club.
