FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2023
Local Boys and Girls Clubs facing unprecedented challenges during Washington Bridge incident
Cox recognizes hardships and donates to Clubs to offset unexpected costs
Providence – The recent closure of the Washington Bridge has brought significant challenges to many locally, including organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs in both Providence and East Providence. Traffic delays have meant unplanned overtime for the staff, longer hours for the kids, additional meals and other expenses the Clubs didn’t have budgeted for the end of the year.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence and East Providence, Cox is donating $10,000 to help offset costs.
“Our staff has done a great job answering the call, working overtime to make sure we take care of our Club Kids while their families are negotiating the traffic challenges,” said Nicole Dufresne, Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence executive director. “We are grateful Cox’s responsive support to address increased costs to ensure our families get the support they need.”
Several children have been stuck on buses for hours trying to get to and from the Clubs. Parents are also facing the same challenges to get to the Clubs to pick up their kids, but the staff at both Clubs has been doing everything they can to assist local families.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs do whatever it takes, truly, to meet the needs of our families,” said Erin Gilliatt, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Providence. “Thanks to partners like Cox, we are able to be there whenever and however our members need us.”
Since the closure of the bridge last week, the community has seen significant impacts in traffic and the ease of getting around the area. Commuting times have greatly increased causing heightened nerves at a time of year when many people are already stressed.
“These last few days have been an unprecedented challenge for all of us here in the community,” said, Brett Smiley mayor of Providence. “When great organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and Cox step up to take care of children so parents and guardians can focus on safely navigating through traffic, it gives them a sense of calm knowing their kids are cared for.”
“It's humbling to see so many in our great community rallying together, supporting others during this difficult situation,” said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva. “We’re grateful to both Boys and Girls Clubs and Cox for providing support to local our families.”
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About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
