For the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, a donated bus is a good thing. But when you get two buses and they’re both brand new and outfitted for comfort and safety by the top manufacturers in the business, it’s even better.
On Thursday, August 31 we participated in a ceremony commemorating an inspiring example of public-private partnership, philanthropy and individual generosity that will make a significant positive difference in the lives of local children.
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of High Point unveiled two new student transportation buses, purchased through a High Point Community Foundation grant and built by Thomas Built Buses and its partners. The buses are essential to providing transportation to the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club activities, serving kids who may not otherwise have access to such events.
Left to right: Caley Edgerly, President and CEO of Thomas Built Buses, Captain Bobby Jackson, Salvation Army of High Point, Paul Lessard, President of High Point Community Foundation and Karol Murks, Director of Accounting and Grants of High Point Community Foundation. Photo: Yasmin Leonard.
Through a partnership with Thomas Built Buses, The Salvation Army was able to purchase two brand new buses with the grant money. But there was more!
The local business community stepped forward to enhance the gift. Not only did Thomas Built Buses and Carolina Thomas construct the buses at a discount, but employees volunteered their time to assist in the build. Spheros Air Conditioning provided and installed rooftop A/C units and High Point-based Syntec Seating Solutions provided passenger lap and shoulder seat belt seats for both buses.
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs got a lot more “mileage” from its grant, thanks to the generosity of the companies and the employees involved.
“We are grateful to our partners at the High Point Community Foundation, Thomas Built Buses, Carolina Thomas, Spheros Air Conditioning, and Syntec Seating Solutions for their generosity and support of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of High Point,” said Captain Bobby Jackson. “Until this year, we never imagined being able to purchase two new buses to upgrade our fleet.
“Now we have the potential to serve more local children and families!”
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
About The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club
The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs annually serve 4 million young people through membership and community outreach. There are more than 4, 100 club facilities throughout the country and BGCA-Affiliated youth centers on U.S. Military installations worldwide. Clubs are community based and building centered; provide a safe, affordable place for youth during non-school hours and the summer; and clubs are led by paid, trained youth development professionals. In a Harris Interactive survey, 57% of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club alumni said the Club “saved my life.” For more information, go to www.tsabgchp.org.
