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

“The After School Program has continued challenges due to COVID. However, every attempt is being made to get items to the youth that are in need. Items consist of snacks, hygiene items and school supplies to students in grades 4th to 12th grades. Such items are being distributed to youth through the Escanaba Public Schools. We are still hopeful that our facility will be back open soon and the youth in the community can take advantage of what we offer. Funding for the purchase of a brush hog will allow staff to maintain the West Side Recreation Area in an efficient manner and to do so more frequently,” said Escanaba Recreation Department Director Kim Peterson.

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, etc.

The Escanaba Recreation Department also accepted a grant award from the Hannahville Indian Community for the After School Program and a brush hog.

“Working with the Hannahville Indian Community and their continued support to the Recreation Department and the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center is a wonderful partnership,” said Peterson.