Boys and Girls Club closes prior to demolition
Friday marked the last day of the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City building.
Within the next month, MoDOT will tear down the building for the expansion of Highway 50, and to celebrate more than 20 years at the location, young people got together, played, and shared memories of the much loved program.
In the next few weeks, program officials hope to kick off the Capital Campaign Project in order to raise money for a new facility.
Between 80 and 100 kids walk in and out of the doors at the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City on a daily basis. During the school year, that number goes up to about 400.
They’re entertained with everything from basketball, to step, to serving meals and teaching lessons, something the kids said they love.
Center officials hope to raise enough money to build a new facility by the fall of 2016, on a lot of land Lincoln University donated. That facility will be about equal in size and services.
“Today is a very bittersweet day for the Boys & Girls Club, it’s been our home for almost 20 years, we’ve watched so many kids grow up here at the club, so it’s kind of sad to say goodbye,” said Executive Director Stephanie Johnson.
To remember the old facility off Elm Street, Saturday from 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. there will be an open house with family fun, music, games, food, and a bounce house.
Kids will also be able to come out and sign the walls of the facility, write their favorite memories, and say goodbye to the center that served the community for 20 years.
MoDOT officials said they plan to start the Highway 50 project September 1.
