The constant chatter and updates coming from Houston have seemed to diminish, but the effects and aftermath of Hurricane Harvey are still very much present in the daily lives of those who were hit the hardest by the storm, including school-aged kids from the greater Houston area.

For the past few weeks, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area has been coordinating Club activities for the displaced youth staying at Austin’s Mega Shelter located at 7000 Metropolis Drive. Out of a routine and away from home and school, we wanted to show our support and provide them with quality programming away from the shelter. With a donation from A Glimmer of Hope, BGCAA was able to do just that for 25-30 kids every day.

Our programming consisted of field trips that ranged from competitive sporting events to visiting local BGCAA Clubs. Outings to Blazer Tag, Westgate Lanes, Mt. Playmore, the largest indoor playing center in Central Texas, and Altitude, Austin’s indoor trampoline park, offered kids the opportunity to run around, be kids, and most importantly, have fun with their friends. But that’s not all: The kids were treated to a shopping spree at Target from the Austin Police Department’s Police Athletic League, Keller Williams and Target. According to BGCAA staff members who attended the spree, kids were greeted by Target employees and members of the Police Activities League of Austin.  Each child was paired with a volunteer from Keller Williams or PAL to assist in purchasing clothes.

To Chief Jeremy Bohannon of the Police Activities League of Austin, the individuals at A Glimmer of Hope and Keller Williams, Target, and the entire BGCAA sports staff and Chalmers Club staff, we thank you for your efforts and dedication to our mission. And finally, a special thank you to Eddie Villarreal, BGCAA Assistant Sports Coordinator, for leading the week’s field trips and offering encouragement and support to the kids who needed it most.