The United Way Foundation has made a grant of $20,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County to help with the renovation of the old Palm City firehouse on Martin Downs Boulevard.

The Boys and Girls Clubs is conducting a $500,000 capital campaign to transform the firehouse into a new clubhouse that will provide quality after-school and summer activities for youth in Palm City.

“We are grateful for this gift that has helped us reach the half-way point of our campaign,” said Rob Ranieri, president of the Palm City Advisory Council of the Boys and Girls Clubs. “This has been the largest single cash donation to date and has provided us with new energy and excitement for the campaign.”

During a United Way Foundation board of directors meeting Jan. 18, Anne McCormick, the area director for the Boys and Girls Clubs, showed an architect’s drawing of what the renovated club will look like. Among other renovations, the large bays for fire trucks will be transformed into a gym.

The Boys and Girls Clubs have been using space at Immanuel Lutheran Church, but they needed a facility to call their own. The church location started out with a teen program, but now it is a full-service center, accepting children from 6 to 18, so a larger facility is needed.

“The Boys and Girls Club is an outstanding organization,” said Vicki Junod. “The Foundation is pleased to make a grant for this great project and we look forward to seeing the boys and girls in their new clubhouse in the fall.”

For more information about United Way of Martin County Foundation, visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org/foundation or call (772) 283-4800.