SALT LAKE CITY — Christmas came seven months early for the Lieds Boys & Girls Club of Salt Lake, thanks to Rent-A-Center Inc.
On Thursday afternoon, a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the club, 464 S. Concord St., to unveil a new RAC Room, a classroom converted into an entertainment and study room and furnished by Rent-A-Center.
The donated furnishings, valued at $5,000, include eight computers, a flat-screen television, a Nintendo Wii, sofas, love seats and tables with chairs.
For Lieds Boys and Girls Club President and Chief Executive Officer LeAnn Saldivar and the rest of the club's staff, the donation couldn't have come at a better time, because they were trying to figure out what to do with the previously unused and unfurnished classroom.
"It was super-good timing," Saldivar said. "We're going to get neat and new stuff instead of junkie stuff, now."
Although the party-type atmosphere of the room is sure to attract more youngsters to the club, Saldivar noted that the added space will also contribute in a very different but equally important way.
"This furniture will help us expand the teen center. It gives kids a quiet place to do their homework and to receive tutoring support," Saldivar said. "It gives them a place to read and have group discussions that we haven't had previously."
Rent-A-Center sent four representatives to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and all agreed that this is just one of the many ways in which the company can give back to the community.
"We truly believe we're in the business of making lives better," said Chad Hancock, district manager of the company's Salt Lake City office. "This is just another example of how we can do that."
The company specializes in furnishing homes for people across the country. But it also gives furniture to worthy causes, such as the local youth club, Hancock said.
The club is the 115th in the nation to have received help from Rent-a-Center and the first in Utah.
"The Boys and Girls Club is a valuable institution, but they get a lot of hand-me-downs that are just not good," Hancock said. "This gives us an opportunity to put our best foot forward, to give them some nice things to use."
For Victor Nevarez and the other members of the club, words couldn't describe their reaction to the unveiling of the new room.
"When I took a peek, it blew my mind away," said Nevarez, who plays soccer for East High School. "I wouldn't expect the club to have such great things as a plasma TV and computers with Windows 7. It means a lot to me and to the other club members."
Nevarez is one of about 1,000 children ages 6 to 18 who use the club as a second home. On an average day, approximately 150 visit, said Saldivar.
Those interested in joining or having their child join must pay a $10 annual membership fee.
Services at the club range from homework help to sports and fitness programs.
More information can be found about services and activities offered by the club through its website, www.bgcgsl.org, or by phone at 801-364-9118.
The club, run by Julie Trujillo, is open Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m.
"Kids really feel the club is a home away from home," Saldivar said. "It helps keep them away from things that can set them on the wrong course."
e-mail: danng@desnews.com