— Santa Claus, along with his reindeer friend from T-Up Ukiah, delivered a very special gift to The Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah (BGCU) today. Thanks to the generous grants from the Cleo Foundation and T.R. Ericksen Foundation, BGCU was able to purchase a 12-passenger along with certifying and training staff members as drivers.

“We are thrilled to have a safe vehicle to transport our club members from school to club and throughout the community to experience opportunities they otherwise may not have,” said Kim Mercier, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Ukiah. “As part of our Driving Great Futures Initiative, this critical resource is vital in helping local youth get the opportunity to attend at the Club to engage in programming and activities like homework help, STEM learning, coding, sports, and leadership clubs.

Since the 12-passenger van is one that is gently used, Reed Reinhart from Reinhart Oil Inc, who has an ongoing association supporting the valuable efforts of the BGCU, was happy to provide his company’s contribution by making minor upgrades to ensure that the vehicle stays in good working order.

“We are so grateful to Reed Rhinehart, the Cleo Foundation and T.R. Ericksen Foundation and are honored to be selected as a recipient for a passenger van to help our Club youth and families overcome transportation barriers,” said Mercier.

“After-school activities help young people develop crucial life skills and thrive far into the future,” said Denise Gorny, Board Member and Co-Founder of Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah, “We look forward to seeing how expanded transportation can make an even greater difference in the lives of Club youth and families.”