PLAINS, Ga. — Blue Bird donated one of its Blue Bird Vision Gasoline school buses to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany on Thursday.

The new bus, which was delivered to the clubs during a private event at the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Unit, will be used to transport students in Albany, Plains, and Montezuma to afterschool programs, field trips, and other outings, according to the school bus manufacturer.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation, as it allows us to fulfill our mission,” said Marvin B. Laster, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany. “It is paramount to our organization, as transportation is a huge challenge in these communities. We need our children to have access to the programs we offer, and this bus will be an integral part of our operations.”

Former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter, who are honorary co-chairs of the clubs, were also in attendance.

“Blue Bird’s donation of this brand-new school bus is greatly appreciated,” Carter said. “It is heartwarming to see an organization like Blue Bird, which has been an important part of the south Georgia community, continuing to serve children through the gift of transportation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany.”

“When President Carter asked for our help, we were delighted to assist such a worthy cause,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “We have been a part of the community in south Georgia since 1927, and it’s our pleasure to provide the Boys & Girls Clubs with safe and reliable transportation for their children.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany have been in operation for over 50 years and serve more than 3,000 children through membership and outreach programs, according to Blue Bird. The new bus is expected to start transporting students later this year.