Youth of the Month

January Youth of the Month, Zaire Robinson

Zaire is a very polite young man who is always willing to lend a helping hand.  As a 3rd grader at Connolly Elementary School, Zaire loves math and althletics.  In his spare time he likes to see movies, play fooseball and ping pong at the Club and on Sundays he helps serve dinner to the less fortunate at his church.  Zaire loves to come to the Club because he enjoys playing with his friends and seeing the GBBGC staff.  When Zaire grows up he wants to become a train conductor.

December Youth of the Month, Danielle Zambuto

Danielle is a sixth grader at Locust Valley Middle School and has been a member of the Club for the past five years.  She is an active young girl who enjoys participating in the Club's cheerleading, gymnastics, and basketball programs.  Danielle is a very friendly and personable young lady who loves to bake, dance and enjoys artistic endeavors.  This year her drawing of a snowman became the Club's official Holiday card.

November Youth of the Month, Rosario Jimenez

Rosario is a natural leader and is very active both in the Club and within her community.  This year her community service extended to Schneider Children's Hospital, local Graffiti Cleanup and the HPS Benefit Christmas Concert.  At the Club Rosario is a member of the Keystone Club, a leadership development Club, Basketball and the SAT Prep Program.  Rosario is a 10th grader at Locust Valley High School and has been a member of the Club since 2006.

October Youth of the Month, Takara Perkins

Takara, a fifth grader at Locust Valley Intermediate School, is a very generous young lady who is always willing to help Club members with their homework.  She has been a member of GBBGC for two years and loves just about everything it has to offer.  From playing in the social recreation room, to jumping rope in the gymnasium and creating projects in the art room Takara takes advantage of everthing the Club has to offer. When Takara grows up she wants to be a famous clothes designer.

Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club

Provides Free Shoes to Children in Need

     Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club was selected as an official partner of Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, an annual giving program from Payless ShoeSource.  Coupons for free shoes were distributed to 125 selected members of the Club (based on need) and the children redeemed their coupons at the Glen Cove Payless Shoe Store. 

     “We cannot thank Payless enough for their generosity,” said Ramon Reyes, Executive Director of GBBGC. “A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self confidence and bring a huge smile to a child’s face. This program aligns with our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

     By helping families who struggle to provide their children with basic essentials on a daily basis, the Club, in partnering with the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, hoped to relieve some of the stress parents feel during the holidays and bring joy to as many children as possible.           

    Said LuAnn Via, CEO of Payless, “The success of the program over the past two years, and the number of children and families we have been able to assist, continues to drive our efforts. Unemployment is still very high, affecting many families that struggle to provide their children with basic essentials. This is especially challenging during the holidays, and with Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club’s help, we hope to make a bigger impact than ever this year.”