LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB)--There could finally be an end in sight for work to reopen the Parkland Boys and Girls Club. Hundreds of people have volunteered their time and talents there in the last few months but Thursday's volunteers specialize in that kind of work.
"We've actually installed 19-thousand square feet of ceiling tile today," says Robert Castle, LOWE's Manager.
Thursday, dozens of employees from Kentuckiana Lowes stores spent their day off painting, landscaping and even fencing the place in.
Castle says,"Boys and girls club is a great...ah...great cause. They give a safe place for the kids to go after school."
And the need for that "safe place" was crystal clear while we were working on this story.
1st district Councilwoman Attica Scott was driving through the district when there was a familiar sight. "It an example of why the boys and girls club is crucial but why there are so many more development issues that we need in the Parkland neighborhood," says Scott.
During our story the Metro Police Swat team served a high risk warrant at suspected drug house. It is just down the street from the Boys and Girls club. It's also a reminder of what's still missing from this neighborhood.
Scott says,"It's a safe haven for kids who have a couple more weeks before school starts. I'm concerned when something like this occurs and neighbors don't know what's going to happen and they don't know to pull their kids inside."
And that's why these volunteers are trying to get the project back on track. It won't be done in time for the start of school, but it'll be close.
"Initially I was thinking probably no way that was going to happen but with the amount of work that was accomplished today...it does make it a plausible opportunity for us to open up shortly after the kids get back in school," says Tom Steele, with Boys and Girls Clubs.
And that's the goal. It is also why the volunteers are still able to smile for the camera during a group picture after spending their day off at work.
"To help the children have an opportunity someplace to go after school that's safe. You know, where they have a roof over their head, where the get a meal," says Castle.
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