Boys and Girls club receives $5,000 donation

Wal-Mart made a $5,000 donation Saturday to the Boys and Girls Club in Cherokee County. Store manager Andrew Wheeler, State Rep. Dennis Moss and former Lt. Gov. Mike Daniel stopped by to present the check to area director Vance Hammond and a few of his club members. Wal-Mart donated $5,000 Saturday to the local Boys and Girls Club.

Area director Vance Hammond announced the gift Saturday at a "Kids Day" held on athletic fields behind the club on Pecan Street. Parents and children spent four hours participating in a sports clinic, safety demonstrations by Gaffney firefighters and police officers and enjoying snow cones and music.

State Rep. Dennis Moss and former Lt. Gov. Mike Daniel recently contacted Wal-Mart to gauge the retail giant's interest in helping the Boys and Girls Club in Cherokee County. As a result of the inquiry, Wal-Mart decided to donate $5,000 to the club.

"The Boys and Girls Club is something our community can take pride in," Moss said. "It gives our young people a chance by providing a safe place after school where they can get help with their homework and become involved in activities that will help them become good citizens."

Store manager Andrew Wheeler presented the check from Wal-Mart during a break in Saturday's "Kids Day." Similar events are held by Boys and Girls Club organizations nationally.

The donation from Wal- Mart will be used for programs at the local site.

The Boys and Girls Club recently partnered with Spartanburg District 6 for a $299,970 grant to support an afterschool program at Mary Bramlett Elementary. The program provides tutoring, homework assistance, character education and recreation for students.

The club currently is serving 86 students in the afterschool program at Mary Bramlett Elementary, Hammond said. There are still open spots available for students interested in participating.

An average of 130 students currently attend the teen center and afterschool program operated at the Boys and Girls Club.

"This donation by Wal-Mart means a lot," Hammond said. "It will help keep the Boys and Girls Club going and allow us to do more things to help our kids."