By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The kids of Montevallo’s Boys and Girls Club cheered as director Freda Shivers announced the opening of a new computer lab available to the club.

“It happened right under your noses, and I don’t think you’ve even realized it’s happened,” Shivers told the kids as they anticipated a surprise. “The back office isn’t what it used to be. We now have eight computers.”

Lafarge and Management Data, Inc. donated used computers to the club, and the University of Montevallo donated furniture such as desks and chairs to complete the new computer lab.

“Everybody in this community cares about y’all,” Shivers told the children,” that’s why we have this place.”

The children range from elementary to middle school, and began talking excitedly about the new computers.

“I really like them, and I hope to get to push start on the first one,” Cameron Lucius said.

McKenna Dubose said she liked having eight computers instead of previously using two, since everyone would have a chance to use the computers. Shivers agreed.

“It’ll mean shorter lines. We used to have a 15-minute limit, and I had 21 names on the waiting list,” Shivers said. “Some of these kids don’t have computers at home and have no way to get to the library.”

Shivers said she plans on implementing a program called “Project Learn” over the summer using educational games to keep kids from falling behind. She said she hopes to have a positive impact educationally.

Tom Cleckler, the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama, visited Shelby County’s only Boys and Girls Club to see the computer lab reveal.

“So many kids like the program, and parents need it,” Cleckler said. “The community has been so good with this organization. Montevallo is the best community, it’s just great.”