The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach celebrated the season of giving this week with a dedication and Thanksgiving dinner.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach held a special celebration honoring Valero for 25 years of support and community involvement with a room dedication at the Freeman E. Fairfield/Westside Center on Tuesday.

The official dedication of the learning center to Valero was to recognize the petroleum refinery company for its contributions of nearly $1 million over the years. Valero’s consistent support has funded essential programs, such as the Power Hour academic initiative and other critical services for Long Beach’s youth, club officials said.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Valero’s lasting impact on our organization,” Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, said in a statement. “Their commitment to our mission and their hands-on involvement during events like our Thanksgiving Dinner truly make a difference in the lives of our kids and families.”

The event also served as the organization’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for members and their families, which Valero sponsors each year. Valero’s team of volunteers served Thanksgiving meals to club members and their families.

“We strive to be a company that is a great partner, ensuring that we are not only taking care of the environment but our community members like tonight, by investing in our youth,” Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, director of community relations and government affairs at Valero, said at the event, “because we know that our youth will be our leaders of tomorrow, and now more than ever, we must unite.”

The dual celebration underscored Valero’s unwavering dedication not only to Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach but also to the broader Long Beach community through their philanthropic efforts and environmental initiatives, club officials said.