Twenty-two members of the local Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley made a special Dec. 10 visit to the headquarters of Morgan Hill-based Specialized Bicycle Components, where employees guided them on a campus tour and treated their guests to some holiday craft-making.
After seeing how a bike is put together at the local company, the group finished off their afternoon by checking out Specialized’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel and learning about aerodynamics and how this research affects product development.
“It’s always fun to spend time with kids in the local community and to celebrate the holiday season,” said Katie Sue Gruener, Global Public Relations Manager for Specialized.
The Club members then broke into two groups. One group participated in bike builds and learned how to build a bicycle as well as some maintenance tips. The other group did holiday crafts, decorated pine cone ornaments, made wreaths and ornaments from bike disc brakes and chain rings.
Specialized made an undisclosed monetary donation to the local Boys & Girls Club as well as a donation of bikes and helmets for the kids to enjoy.
“The Boys & Girls Club is doing a wonderful job at serving this community through their innovative youth programs,” said Lucy August-Perna, Advocacy Manager at Specialized. “We are excited to partner with them as they continue their mission to help kids reach their full potential right here in our backyard.”
Known as the El Toro Youth Center for more than 25 years, BGCSV began providing services at the center in June 2014 when Catholic Charities decided to transition out of the operations at that site. Renamed the Lori Escobar El Toro Clubhouse in honor of its founder in 2012, BGCSV has offered new and innovative after-school and summer programs in five core areas, all supported by a new technology program, according to the press release.
Members of the clubhouse enjoy a safe and welcoming learning environment where they develop the confidence and skills they need to be successful in school, career and life, according to BGCSV. Through programs such as SMART Moves that teach resistance to destructive influences, to “Club Tech” where members enjoy the new art technology lab, community youth have many opportunities to experience academic and personal successes.
