August 22, 2022

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County received a new passenger van courtesy of Estero-based Hertz, which also donated backpacks and school supplies at the club’s annual Back2School Bash.

The custom-wrapped van sports Hertz’ signature yellow on the top and the Boys & Girls Clubs’ blue on the bottom. It also displays logos of both organizations and photos of youth members. Hertz CEO Stephen M. Scherr presented the keys Aug. 9 while reaffirming the company’s longstanding partnership with Boys & Girls Club of America.

“Transportation is a challenge for many families in Southwest Florida, and this van will create opportunities for additional children and teens to benefit from our programs,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “We’ll be able to use the van to pick up students on rainy days, take them on field trips and provide new learning experiences. This is an incredible gift and we want to thank Hertz for this partnership, and we appreciate all that the company is doing to impact youth here in Lee County.”

Hertz relocated its corporate headquarters to Estero in 2016 and maintains a commitment to global giving and volunteering. Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is one of three clubs nationwide that recently received passenger vans through Hertz, and it’s one of 16 clubs nationwide that the rental car company supported through Back2School grants, employee volunteerism and more. More than a dozen Hertz employees took part in the Back2School Bash at the new Park Meadows Community Club in Fort Myers, where youth members also enjoyed a bounce house, DJ, dancing, shaved ice, a food truck and more.

“Hertz is a global company and obviously has a significant presence all across the United States, and the Boys & Girls Club serves communities all over this country,” Scherr said. “It’s a great pleasure and honor for us to serve as a National Mobility Partner for Boys & Girls Club of America. Hertz’ focus is mobility, and that includes upward mobility of children to really excel in education and in other venues.”

Hertz and its Southwest Florida-based employees also purchased backpacks and school supplies, including writing utensils, notebooks, folders, glue sticks, scissors, rulers, binder pouches and more. 

Boys & Girls Club of America serves members from across socioeconomic classes, and programs and events like the Back2School Bash help ensure all students have the tools necessary to excel in school.

“It’s really important that our members have the supplies they need to be successful in the classroom,” Gergley said. “It is such a blessing that Hertz came through for our kids and gave them backpacks, folders, pens and pencils… everything they’re going to need to have a great year in school. Hertz is a great community partner and helps us achieve our mission of helping our youth reach their full potential.”

To view photos, click this LINK.