Boys & Girls Club Holds Annual Day for Kids

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside hosted its Day for Kids Annual Community Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its Redlands clubhouse. The theme of the free, public event was superhero-inspired “Power to Create Change.” Day for Kids celebrates youth and the community they live in, and offers families a chance to spend time together. The event, held on Clay Street in front of Hansberger clubhouse, included games, music, crafts, a rock climbing wall, and free food. Kiwanis Club of Redlands incoming president Mark McGuire, his family and fellow Kiwanians grilled 250 burgers on a grill originally owned by McGuire’s grandfather. “It’s our fifth year cooking for Boys & Girls Club,” he said. Food was also provided by a team from Panda Express that required a second run to the local store to get more of their popular Orange Chicken. Other providers included Chipotle Mexican Grill and Kona Ice. Many participants, including Molina Healthcare, San Bernardino County Children’s Network and Home Depot, had activities for kids such as puzzles, pencils that changed color in the heat and wooden safety helicopters. At Starbucks tables, 11 volunteers helped kids decorate gift bags and handed out Passion tea. “I think it’s awesome that the parents can bring their kids to an event like this,” said Starbucks employee Lola Hornbeck. Additionally, the Sight for Students program offered free eye screenings to 20 youth. Sight for Students is a charity of Vision Service Plan that serves low-income, uninsured children. “They come in and get their (vision) screening and they’re just so excited,” said Dr. Darlene Matejka, a Redlands optometrist who volunteered to do the screenings. “We’re thankful for the many community supporters who worked together to make this a great day for our youth and their families,” said Club CEO P.T. McEwen.