Valley Boys and Girls clubs stay open, help with virus-related school closures

PHOENIX – While many schools are planning to close amid the coronavirus outbreak, Boys and Girls clubs of Easy Valley – Metro Phoenix will remain open.

According to a press release, clubs in districts with schools that have decided to close will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting March 16.

“We want our kids to feel safe, and we want out kids to have a place to go,” Jill Johnson, director of strategic partnerships for the Boys and Girls clubs of the Valley, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

The Boys and Girls clubs are open to anybody in the community, including nonmembers who can pay $20 a day. The program provides breakfast and lunch as well as educational activities throughout the day.

Johnson said the organization has stepped in to help with school closures in the past, like when teachers went on strike for Red for Ed in 2018. With concerns over gathering in large groups due to the coronavirus outbreaks, Johnson said they’re following the same rules as anybody else.

“We’ve taken all of the precautions that are necessary with extra wipe downs, making sure the kids are washing their hands over and over and having conversations with our families,” Johnson said. “If you’re not feeling well and your kids aren’t feeling well, please keep them home.”

Boys and Girls clubs in the Valley have 27 clubs that serve almost 16,000 kids.

The Cartwright and Palm Lane branches will be closed, but kids can attend the Stewart branch.

Additionally, Ladmo and North Tempe clubs will be shut down because the city is closing down city buildings. Kids can attend the Guadalupe club instead.

Guadalupe, Rosenzweig and Stewart will have adjusted hours, opening from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Those interested can visit the Boys and Girls club website to find their local club.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bob McClay contributed to this report. 

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