Panda Cares: Local Restaurants Support BGC
The Panda Cares Grant has helped to make academic success a priority for both kids & teens in our Clubs by providing necessary program funds. This special grant provided by Panda Express and distributed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America allows Clubs to run programs like Power Hour, Project Learn, and DIY STEM. In 2022 the Zimmerman, Clovis, West Fresno, and East Fresno Clubs have benefitted from Panda Cares. They have truly made the most of not only the funds awarded but also the local restaurants willingness to support our members.
At the West Fresno Club, a Panda Express employee volunteered to help members with homework. She brought them fortune cookies and assisted in the BGC Store—a room where members can purchase items with Club Bucks that they earn from finishing their homework and getting good grades.
“Seeing others in the Club being hands on with the learning process means so much to us,” said Juaniace Wilson, West Fresno Unit Director.
In Clovis, members took a field trip to the Panda Express Restaurant on Cedar and Dakota for lunch. It was a memorable trip because some members ordered their own food for the first time and made friends with the Panda Express employees.
“One of the employee’s talked to a teen member about getting a job at the restaurant when he got old enough. She explained the hiring process to him and I know that helped. Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them,” said Kim Carter, Clovis Unit Director.
