Boys and Girls Clubs to get new bus after one destroyed in arson fire

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area have been given money to buy a new bus for Christmas. Last week, someone intentionally set fire to one taking away the only transportation method for 100 children. The crime remains unsolved.

Misti Potter was in much better spirits Wednesday.

"We are really excited and we cannot thank the community enough for all they have done for us,” she said.

One week ago the executive vice president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area feared she would not have transportation for 100 students for the East Austin location.

Someone set fire to their bus on December 18th. The seats were melted, windows shattered and the inside left covered in soot.

The only option was to replace it. A donation campaign began and people from as far away as Washington, D.S. pitched in.

"We are now at over $75-thousand dollars,” said Potter.

In addition Potter says a foundation has offered to donate a used bus.

"So out of this tragedy is turning into this tremendous blessing because it looks like we're not only going to get a new bus for our kids, but a used bus as well,” said Potter.

The generosity continues pouring in.

"We're still getting checks in. Yesterday we received one for $2,000 from a lady in Fredericksburg,” said Potter.

Potter says any surplus funds will be used for security upgrades.

"We're putting in a true security plan for the back portion of this building and that is a part of any additional funding that we've received above and beyond what we will get for the bus will go to build actual fencing around the bus itself as well as a camera system and just better security the area,” said Potter.

While the transportation problem is solved, the crime is not. Potter had this to say to the culprit, "Whoever did this shame on you because even though it's turned into a great thing for our kids. It was an unnecessary thing we had to deal with."

The new bus is expected to arrive by the end of the week. It will remain at the main Boys and Girls Clubs location in Central Austin until all security upgrades are in place.
               
If you know any information about the arson, please call investigators at 512-974-0240.