SEQUIM — Qwest Foundation on Friday presented the Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula a $12,500 grant check that will allow the club in Sequim to expand enrollment for economically disadvantaged children in the KinderKids program.
Qwest Foundation awards grants that generate high-impact and measurable results through community-based programs in the area of pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education.
Jane Wishita, community affairs director for Qwest, presented the check Friday to club Executive Director Mary Budke.
Budke said it will allow the KinderKids program serving the area to expand enrollment from 30 to 40 and offer scholarships to children from needy families.
“This generous gift from the Qwest Foundation will help us broaden our academic program and critical aftercare for children and their families in our area who are in the most need,” Budke said.
“We are so thankful for Qwest for supporting us.”
KinderKids is a 4-year-old program provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula that gives 5- and 6-year-olds activities to boost reading and literacy skills.
Children in the age group are given a jump on academic subjects including math, science, geography and computer skills.
“Early-childhood education is essential for ensuring we are preparing kids to both learn later in school and be prepared for the work force later in life,” Qwest Washington President Kirk Nelson said in a statement.
“We are very pleased to support the Boys & Girls Clubs with this important effort.”
Also joining Wishita in presenting the check was former Port Angeles Mayor Karen Rogers, a consultant for Exeltech who suggested to her friend, Wishita, that Qwest Foundation consider the club for a grant.
Budke said the KinderKids program is offered to children in the morning, afternoon and aftercare hours to 6 p.m. to help working needy mothers and fathers.
The program also feeds the children healthy snacks.
Qwest granted an initial $7,500 to the club in 2007 to get the KinderKids program rolling, Budke said.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
