Members First Credit Union in Manchester, N.H., recently presented a check for $5,000� to the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) in support of the�recently completed $1.8 million renovation of the Michael Briggs Community Center. The sponsorship is earmarked to support the center's new game room.
Located just off the community room, the game room features a flat screen television and state-of-the-art gaming system, foosball, a shuffleboard table, lots of comfortable furniture, and space for kids to relax with friends.
"I'm sure the game room will become a very popular spot in the Community Center," said David Mara, chief, Portsmouth Police Department and chair of the MPAL board of directors. "We have never had a place where kids who aren't involved in a scheduled sport or activity can hang out with their friends, and this new game room provides that space - and more. We are very grateful to Members First Credit Union for their support."
Nearly 400 volunteers and dozens of companies recently pitched in to transform the MPAL Michael Briggs Community Center, which provides an alternative to harmful behavior for Manchester's inner-city youth and encourages positive relationships between law enforcement and young people.
"We are honored to be part of this important project and to support MPAL's efforts to help Manchester's young people participate in positive, fun and safe activities outside of school," said Bruce Leighton, president/CEO of Members First Credit Union. "And we are especially pleased to help provide a new space within the center where kids can just relax and have fun."
The Michael Briggs Community Center, which was named after a Manchester Police officer who was lost in the line of duty in 2006, provides a structured environment for more than 8,600 inner-city youth who live within one mile of the center. It is a place where kids grow and learn to make the right choices, and become productive members of the community.
