More than 50 volunteers and a $25,000 donation helped to refresh two Boys & Girls Clubs in Palm Beach County on Saturday, May 8. The transformation was part of Boca Raton-based Office Depot’s annual volunteer event, Depot Day of Service. At the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, the middle school space was given a face-lift, while at the same time, volunteers outfitted the high school career readiness center with new computers and other college prep materials to support a college-focused theme. At the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of Riviera Beach, volunteers will transformed the lobby and entire gym into a vibrant learning space for Club members.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is thankful for the generous support from Office Depot that will have an immediate and positive impact at two of our largest Clubs,” said CEO and President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda. “This effort will assist us in creating an environment that supports our vision to have all members graduate on time with a plan for the future. We’re focused on helping our members overcome an achievement gap caused by the pandemic. With these new resources provided by Office Depot, our staff will be better able to meet this new challenge.”
The $25,000 donation is part of a larger $250,000 gift given to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Despite added complications due to COVID-19, Depot Day of Service successfully enhanced 18 Clubs around the country, including the two local Clubs in Palm Beach County.
“Office Depot’s annual ‘Depot Day of Service’ initiative is an exciting opportunity for associates to come together to lend their time and talents to help create a lasting impact in the communities where they live and do business,” said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer for Office Depot and The ODP Corporation. “While we’ve supported local Boys & Girls Clubs for many years, we’re thrilled to kick off our new national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America this spring by enhancing 18 clubhouses for kids, teens and Club staff to enjoy.”
This was the first major event involving volunteers inside Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County since the start of the pandemic. The event strengthened Office Depot’s employees commitment to the Clubs’ mission with many offering to return to volunteer to help members.
