Thanks to the generous donation of the LeBron James Family Foundation, Nike and HP, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley was able to strengthen its athletics and education programs for its members.

The Club recently received a donation of 50 pairs of shorts, 125 jerseys and 24 basketballs from Nike. From HP, the Club received 16 state-of-the-art HP computers, one laptop and 15 desktops with monitors.

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Each computer came with donated education and productivity software from Microsoft. LeBron’s Family Foundation provided the Club with $2,000 in cash support to help to assist with the set up of any additional equipment or services needed.  All the donations totaled more than $35,000 in value.

“Young people have the potential be successful at anything they set their minds to,” LeBron James said.  “And I believe that Boys & Girls Clubs provide the inspiration our kids need to reach their goals.”

Revenue from LeBron’s “decision” broadcast during the summer of 2010 resulted in a $2,000,000 donation, which was distributed to 59 Boys & Girls Club organizations across the country.  In addition, Nike contributed $500,000 in athletic equipment and HP donated 1,000 computers, bringing the total value up to $3,000,000.

“We are honored the LeBron James Family Foundation, Nike and HP have invested in the youth of the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Jim Ventress, the Club’s chief professional officer. “Our Club members will be better served by having these great new resources in our Club.”

Ventress said the athletic clothing and equipment will be used for the sports leagues held throughout the year at the two clubhouses. Most of the computers will go to the Sierra Vista branch where they will replace many older computers. Ventress said the Club was looking forward to establishing a digital arts program at Sierra Vista. Club members are already very active in a program that exists at the Newhall site.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley was formed in 1968 by a group of community leaders who recognized the need for high-quality programs and facilities at affordable costs for area young people. The Club now serves more than 2,300 youth, ages 7-17, at facilities in Newhall and Canyon Country.  Programs engage members in education and career exploration, the arts, sports, recreation and fitness, character and leadership development, and healthy life choices.  For more information, visit http://scvbgc.org/.

Founded in 2004, the LeBron James Foundation empowers children and single-parent households through innovative programming and initiatives, strengthening the ties between family members and building hope through education, physical fitness and better health for those who are dealing with adversity.  Among the Foundation’s most important national programs is the Playground Build Initiative, which is focused on developing family-centered safe play spaces where children can be physically active in a multi-dimensional environment that encourages creative play.