Wilmington Boys & Girls Club may close following vandalism

A recent act of vandalism and burglary at the H. Fletcher Brown Boys & Girls Club in northeast Wilmington may mean closure for the club in the coming weeks.

Club Director Rachael Kane said vandals got onto the roof of the club in the 1600 block of N. Spruce St. sometime over the weekend and stole nearly $300,000 worth of HVAC units and wiring.

“They simply ripped the units apart and took them, likely for scrap,” she said. “This could really hurt our ability to operate.”

The units are the only source of air distribution for the boys and girls club that serves more than 200 of the city's youth through childcare and education programs. The building is 30,000 square feet and is the hang-out spot for many kids lacking a place to go in the city, she said.

Those most hurt by the thefts will be the children, especially in the coming weeks, said George Krupanski, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.

“I do not understand why anyone would want to hurt them, some of the poorest and neediest in the city," he said. "Our programs may need to close. Parents who need the club for child care will be unable to work. It’s difficult to comprehend why anyone would do this – especially at Christmas.”

With no emergency building funds and an already financially difficult situation, the club is stuck waiting on an insurance claim that officials say may take months to process.

Those looking to donate and support the club can go onto the Boys & Girls Clubs website at bgclubs.org/donate and select the H. Fletcher Brown Club as the designated recipient of the funds.

Fortunately, the club already held its Christmas celebration with local kids this past weekend, said Hilary LaMotte Burke, director of marketing and communications for the clubs. Now, club officials are crossing their fingers that the weather remains mild for the coming days and heat won't be necessary.

"Schools are out and when schools are out, the clubs are open," Burke said. 'That's the tragedy to us. Heat isn't an issue right now, but if we have to close our doors, where do the kids go then?"

Anyone with information on the vandalism should contact Wilmington police at (302) 576-3990.

Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.