Redmond/Sammamish Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County Receives a “Retired Van” from King County

October 28, 2014

Summary

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More kids are going to have a ride to Boys and Girls Club events thanks to the donation of a surplus van from the King County Metro Vanpool Program.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents District 3 in northeast King County, presented the keys of the “retired” van to Zach Wenman, Club Director of the Redmond/Sammamish Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.

“I was very excited to present a van to the Boys and Girls Club Redmond/Sammamish Branch as it’s a very valuable part of many family’s lives on the Plateau.” said Councilmember Lambert. “I know the donated van they received will be put to good use transporting kids to the many programs they offer. They are so excited to have a retired van to help meet their many transportation needs!”

“Our Boys & Girls Clubs vans do more than give kids rides; they help to keep kids safe. The vans are transportation from the local middle school to our Teen Center and during school breaks they are used on field trips all around the Puget Sound, said Zach Wenman, Club Director of the Redmond/Sammamish Branch. “By offering these services, our vans are helping us to fulfill our mission of providing a positive place for youth in our communities.”

Earlier this year, the Metropolitan King County Council approved donating three retired vans in each of the nine council districts to agencies that provide transportation assistance to local governments, community programs, senior citizens and young people.

“It was so much fun to deliver the vans and to visit with Zach and some of the students. Zach and his team are doing a great job with the club programming and have such great plans for the future.” Lambert said.

In 1995, the County Council began donating retired vans to non-profit groups for the transportation of low-income clients. That donation effort has grown to include both non-profits and local governments. The vans now meet the transportation needs of low-income clients, youth, the elderly and the disabled.

The vanpool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Lambert’s office at 206-477-1003 or kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov

Councilmember Lambert hands the keys to a retired County Vanpool Van to Zach Wenman,
Club Director of the Redmond/Sammamish Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.
Lambert and Wenman are joined by future van passengers.