SOLANA BEACH — The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito was left astonished after someone stole its 12-person van from the club’s parking lot in April of this year. The van was eventually found in Del Mar after numerous news stations aired the story, but there was about $700 in damage to the ignition caused by the heist.
With van repairs needed quickly, with the doctors of Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics stepped up to the plate and covered the costs of fixing the van. As a non-profit, unexpected expenses at any level can put strain on the organization’s ability to provide its core services.
“Taking from a non-profit where the vans are used for kids is disheartening,” said David H. Crean, CEO of the Boy & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito. “But we’re extremely thankful for supporters like Great Smiles who came to the rescue and paid for the damages so we can continue to serve the community and the kids who need us most.”
The van, one of a handful the Club owns, is now fixed and back in service to be used to transport dozens of kids after school, during the summer months for camp transportation between branches, and to transport youngsters to field trips throughout the year.
“We see ourselves playing a larger role in the community than just taking care of teeth,” said Dr. Christopher Hydo, an orthodontist at Great Smiles. “We’re thankful to be a part of the North County Coastal community and for the support our neighbors have shown us. The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito does great work and we’re happy to support them in their mission to help our youth become healthy, successful adults.”
Even though there were two surveillance cameras monitoring the club’s rear parking lot, because of where the van was parked off to the side, the van was not captured on video and the perpetrators were never caught.
