Boys & Girls Club Vans Stolen From Outside Cleveland Club

CLEVELAND — Two vans belonging to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland were stolen on Tuesday night. Replacing the vans will cost the organization approximately $45,000 — money that could be used to serve Northeast Ohio children.

The vans were parked in temporary spots across from the Broadway Club, at 6114 Broadway Avenue, on Tuesday night. The BGCC uses the vans to take kids to museums, parks, sports venues, and even colleges. In many cases, these locations were otherwise inaccessible to the children.

The vans were stolen while they were on Broadway Avenue, the BGCC said. While police are investigating the incident, the vans have not been found and there are not currently any suspects.

BGCC President and CEO Ron Soeder said insurance will not cover the loss of the vans because the organization only had liability coverage. Replacing the vans will drain resources dedicated to creating a safe, fun environment for kids. The BGCC is also desperately trying to stay in the black, a cause set back by these van thefts.

Anyone with information about the stolen vans should contact the Cleveland Police at 216-621-1234. Anyone wishing to donate to the Clubs' transportation fund is able to contribute online.

The BGCC serves nearly 1,000 kids, ages 6-18, in the Northeast Ohio region. Participants can find a hot meal, a mentor, a play area, athletics, or educational opportunities at a Club.

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Photo from the BGCC