Construction starts on Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin

SOUTH ELGIN — The Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin began construction of its new 20,000-square-foot clubhouse this week at the village's former public works building, 735 Martin Drive.

Slated to open later this year, the state-of-the -art facility will provide daily education, meals and activities intended for more than 250 children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

“The Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin is committed to enriching the lives of youth in the surrounding area through its range of programs and initiatives,” said Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of South Elgin. “We see a need in South Elgin now more than ever.”

Among the chief priorities for the club is the ability to provide warm meals for the students. In addition, volunteers and clubhouse leaders and employees will work to ensure the programming remains inclusive of basic life skills such as culinary programs and garden programs focused on nutrition, as well as homework and after-school activities such as physical, emotional and sensory education, the organization said.