ESCANABA — The Community Foundation for Delta County has donated funds to the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center After School Program. The program is supported by a grant from the Community Foundation and its Youth Advisory Committee, which is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula.

The City of Escanaba Recreation Department, along with the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center accepted the grant award from the Community Foundation for Delta County.

“The After School Program has had challenges this year due to COVID. However, every attempt is being made to get items to the youth that are in need,” said Recreation Director Kim Peterson. “Items consist of snacks, hygiene items and school supplies to students in grades 4th to 12th grades. We are still hopeful that our facility will be back open soon and the youth in the community can take advantage of what we can offer.”

When restrictions are lifted, students can come to the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center after school, which is a safe, supervised facility. Students can also utilize the gym, gameroom, laptops, wi-fi, board games, read a book program, and other activities and services offered at the Civic Center.

The recreation department also hopes to open back up for basketball, volleyball, aerobics, pickleball and walking, along with housing the Community Action Agency Senior Center, which offers a large variety of activities and events as well.