Paint it forward program gives local Boys and Girls Club a facelift
GLASSBORO - Jeremy Fyfe, owner of GLS Painters, and his wife are spending their six-year wedding anniversary a little differently this year — by giving away an $8,000 exterior paint job.
GLS Painters are inviting South Jersey residents to paint it forward and give to the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County.
Calling it the Paint It Forward Program, the residential and commercial painting company is hosting a day of service on Sept. 17 for the winner of its inaugural charity event at the Boys and Girls Club Glassboro Center, nominated by community members.
The Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County has been a pillar of the community by offering after-school programming and mentoring. At its Glassboro Center, young people are provided with a safe, constructive and supportive environment.
"We've been serving the community for a long time as well," Fyfe said. "We've given money away into certain basketball organizations in this town. We've done many painted doors where we're just painting the front door of our neighbor's homes for free over the past three years. But this is our biggest Paint It Forward this year."
Open since 2003, the Boys and Girls Club Glassboro Center was in need of renovations with most of the interior work done during the height of the pandemic.
"During the school year, we provide after school care from 2 to 6. The biggest thing was is more of a homework help. We have a lot of Boys and Girls Club of America activities that we run, STEM, art, multimedia, and social and emotional assistance as well," director of the Boys and Girls Club Glassboro Center, Antoine Sabb said.
"There's a lot of upkeep that comes with the Boys and Girls Club and a lot of renovations we've done here ourselves with the flooring, but we do get sponsors in doing this to support with that," Sabb added. "This was a fairly old building, so over the Covid time we did a lot of renovations inside the building. The biggest thing left was the outside exterior; Jeremy selected us to be able to do a paint job and be able to bring the building to life so we're so excited."
In addition to offering a free painting service, Fyfe hired a color consultant to help select the best paint selections to give the building a vibrant and inviting touch. Sicklerville-based Johnston Property Maintenance donated their services by cleaning out the gutters in preparation for the charity event; Sherwin Williams donated $3,000 in paint and supplies.
"We have great things going on at the Boys and Girls Club and one of the biggest things is our slogan, great futures start here. So with the support of them we're going to be able to get a facelift on the outside and give these kids a place that they can call home," Saab said.
The full-day painting experience begins at 8 a.m. at 801 Ellis St., Glassboro, and volunteers are welcome.
Fyfe and his business have also donated their services and money to residents and local organizations in need. While Fyfe is already planning for a Paint it Forward charity event next year, he also plans to give away an entrepreneurial scholarship to assist young people interested in trades start their own business.
"We chose the Boys and Girls Club because we're able to impact multiple kids, multiple families lives," said Fyfe. "That's why we're doing these initiatives, to give back to the community."
For more information on the Paint It Forward Program visit https://glspainters.com/why-gls-painters/paint-it-forward/.
Nicolette White is the Diversity and Inclusion reporter for the Burlington County Times, The Daily Journal and Courier-Post. She is a Temple University graduate with Dallas, Texas roots. Send tips to nwhite@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @nicolettejwhite. Please support local journalism with a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Burlington County Times: Boys and Girls Club Glassboro Center wins $8,000 giveaway
