AKRON, Ohio — The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio will receive $100,000 from Akron-based Bridgestone to help close the technology gap for youth in the area. 

In making the announcement on Wednesday, Bridgestone said the $100,000 will provide equipment, enhanced internet access, hotspots and other resources to help club kids throughout northeast Ohio. 

“We know that when young people have basic access to technology in this increasingly digital world, they have a greater chance of success in school and beyond,” said Robert Johnson, vice president of stores for Bridgestone. “Our communities across northeast Ohio, and Akron in particular, are very special to Bridgestone, and we are grateful for the contributions of our retail customers and teammates that will allow the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio to continue to deliver critical resources to area kids.”

Bridgestone cited recent census data that showed that 31% of Cleveland residents lacked broadband internet access, which is more than twice the national average. 

“We are so grateful to Bridgestone Retail Operations and the Driving Great Futures program for helping provide our kids with critical technology resources, including better access to the internet,” said Jeff Scott, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio serves children ages 6-18 at 36 locations throughout Cuyahoga, Summit, Erie and Lorain counties. The organization serves 8,500 youths throughout the area. 

This Saturday, the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio is hosting a 5k run and 1-mile walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio.

Meanwhile, Bridgestone is hosting the SENIOR PLAYERS Championship Thursday-Sunday. The championship is the third of the five majors on the senior tour.

Since the 1980s, tournaments played at Bridgestone Country Club have contributed more than $30 million for northeast Ohio charities. Earlier this year, the tournament distributed $772,000 to a number of charities.