The Thomas Toy Community Center has just the ticket to get teens to check out a place that is designed to be “their spot.”
The teen center is giving seventh through 12th graders on Thursday, July 25, a taste of what they will be offering when the doors open in September.
It’s a Game Night and Food Trucks event that starts at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until 7:30 p.m.
The event at 602 East Yosemite Avenue is free. And it includes one ticket good to buy offerings at food trucks that will serve hamburgers, burrito, tacos, and chickens among other things.
That’s in addition to popcorn drinks, candy and even mini-doughnuts.
Manteca Unified School District Nutritional Services will also be offering a famers market where teens can select from veggies and fruit.
Instead of video games, there will be a host of board games and such to encourage teens to interact with each other in person.
“This is their spot,” Executive Director Albino Moreno noted.
A teen advisory council is providing input into offerings as well as programs and such designed to bring together — and serve the interests — of all teens in the area whether they attend East Union, Sierra, Manteca, Ripon, Calla, or Lathrop high schools.
Among possible endeavors is staging a “fifth quarter” on Friday nights after high school football games, possible lunch service, and things such as battle of the bands.
A $10 a ticket desert fundraiser is being planned for Aug. 15 to help support efforts at the teen center as well as introduce adults to what is being offered to teens.
The center is still in need of items to complete café offerings.
They are in the process of putting together a wish list and are in need of financial donations.
Service clubs and such that are interested in a presentation can contract Moreno at 209-407-2568.
The teen center needs as many as 200 volunteers to make it work.
Commitment levels start as little as two hours a month.
The teen center hours will be Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. with some weekends.
Volunteer hours can change based on need.
Volunteers are required to complete Live Scan prior to working with students.
More information can be found at thomastoycc.org or by calling 209-407-2568.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
