Earlier this week, I traveled to Panama City to visit and support Club members and staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County. Three weeks after Hurricane Michael devastated so much of the Florida Panhandle, the Club is among many area organizations and citizens still in recovery mode.

To date, just one of the organization’s four storm-damaged Clubhouses has reopened. One of its Clubhouses and its administrative offices were devastated. Even so, local staff continue to serve the Bay County community, including partnering with the Salvation Army, to provide residents with food and water.

After touring the affected Clubs where roof repairs, removal of downed trees and related damages are estimated to be more than $2 million (with a sizable insurance deductible), I presented CEO Hank Hill and Board Chair Arthur Cullen with a check from BGCA’s Board of Governors to help speed recovery and allow them to get back to serving the kids of their community.

To make your own donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County Hurricane Michael Relief Fund, please visit bgcbayfl.org. You can also assist with other Hurricane Relief efforts by making a donation to bgca.org/DisasterRelief. Funds will be targeted to areas with the greatest need.