Odessa Boys and Girls Club transforms learning space with new donation

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Woodson Boys and Girls Club received a generous donation from Panda Express on Wednesday.

“We applied for a grant and were able to receive $45,000 to redesign a learning space.”

“So we added a computer lab where we had new computers, a study table, and an air conditioning unit that is just for that room. We’re really excited about that. Next door we have a common study room, and in that common study room we now have new technology for video conferencing and online learning for our kids. We have new common tables, and the best part is that this room is not just for kids, it’s also a community center for this area and for groups. So we now have better seating, not just for kids, but for adults to meet, and I’m really excited about that,” said Andra Jones.

“Panda Express has partnered with our local communities for the Children’s Hospital and recently we started working with the Boys and Girls Club as well. Thanks to the generosity of our guests who come to our store every day, we were able to donate $45,000 today to open this Center of Hope here in Odessa. I think our community is so involved, but everything we collect in the store stays in the store, stays in our communities, and that’s what’s great about Panda,” said Anthony Jara, Area Operations Coach for West Texas.

“We really wanted to help everyone at the Boys and Girls Club, so we donated a little money to the community to basically house everyone so we could celebrate the donation and help the community,” Carolynn Bonar said.

“We have been working with Panda Express for a long time. They are great partners for the community and that doesn’t end with this grand opening. They continue to come to the clubs and provide food and activities for our kids,” Bonar continued.