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The United Way of East Tennessee Highlands annually hosts its “Week of Caring,” during which companies and organizations volunteer to provide needed services to local non-profits. This year, the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County was one of the fortunate recipients of these generous efforts.

The Boys & Girls Club had a special project in mind: their fleet of buses required some much-needed tender loving care. “We use our buses daily all year long and our aging fleet needed to be deep cleaned inside and out,” said Chief Executive Officer, Shelly Parham. “When submitting the project to United Way, I tried to think of a need that we always put on the back burner because it isn’t as important as other needs or there isn’t enough time. Shining up our buses and giving kids a feeling of being on a nicer ride came to mind right away.”

Thanks to the dedicated staff from the Johnson City Tie Breakers, the buses received a comprehensive facelift. The team arrived at the club prepared to work for hours, ensuring every corner of the buses was clean, shiny, and ready for the children. Their efforts ranged from pressure washing to scrubbing down the seats and everything in between.

“The team at Tie Breakers are true community partners. Two of the volunteers closed the night before and still came out early in the morning to help. That says a lot about that group,” added Parham. Thanks to the combined efforts of United Way and the Tie Breakers of Johnson City, the kids at the club now enjoy newer-looking buses they can feel proud of.

The transformation of the Boys & Girls Club buses stands as a testament to the power of community and the positive impact of the United Way’s Week of Caring.