AGOURA — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) was recently awarded a $41,000 grant by Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) for the purchase of a new van to serve its members. The “Driving Great Futures” grant will allow the BGCGCV to obtain a new 2019 Toyota Sienna passenger van.
Earlier this year, BGCGCV youth development and resource development staff worked together to apply for the “Driving Great Futures” grant. Members from the Anderson Boys & Girls Club took a tour of the local Bridgestone store and staff put together a video of the trip and provided details about how a van grant would benefit the youth BGCGCV serves for BSRO’s consideration.
“This is such an amazing gift that will benefit each member of our organization,” stated Dr. Crystal N?one, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. “One of the biggest challenges for low-income families is transportation,” continued N?one. “Families have a difficult time getting their kids to afterschool activities, and as a result, young people miss out on crucial life skills that are developed through programs like those offered at our Clubs,” she added.
To make programming as accessible as possible to youth and families, BGCGCV strategically works with public schools to accommodate the Clubs on school campuses. “By working with local schools, it’s a win-win for everyone, and by offering transportation from nearby schools, even more families are able to take advantage of the services we offer,” stated N?one.
The new van will be outfitted with Bridgestone high efficiency tires and wrapped with “Drive Great Futures” and BGCGCV images and logos.
About Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO): Bridgestone Retail Operations has a long history of giving back to communities with a vision of being the most trusted provider of tire and automotive care in every neighborhood they serve. Their support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is accomplished through the launch of their “Driving Great Futures” partnership, which was established in 2015. Since the launch, BSRO has raised more than $4 million to support children across the nation. In the first three years of the partnership, BSRO funded 120 grants, helping local Boys & Girls Clubs to increase average daily attendance. In 2018, BSRO began distributing grants designed to address transportation needs so more kids could get to the local clubs to reach their full potential. BSRO is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world – more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care Operations are also a part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are open before and after school, during lunch, on weekends, for summer camp, and all day during school vacations. Tours of the Clubs are available upon request. The Boys & Girls Clubs also offer a variety of employment positions with excellent benefits and ongoing professional development. For more information about employment opportunities, supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, log onto www.bgcconejo.org or call 818-706-0905.