Home Depot volunteers have helped give  the front of the Manteca Boys & Girls clubhouse  a more kid friendly look while at the same time helping emphasize the six pillars of Character Counts.
Fifteen Home Depot employees from the Manteca store and the Lathrop distribution center volunteered on their day off Saturday to paint the brick pillars holding up the clubhouse’s front trellis at 545 Alameda St. in the Character Counts colors — blue, yellow, green, orange, red, and purple.
 “We wanted to tie into what Manteca Unified is doing in their schools with Character Counts as the kids are already familiar with it,” said Mark McCool who serves as the club’s operations manager.
Home Depot supplied all the materials and paint as well as the volunteers.
McCool said the club is now looking for sponsors to cover the cost of fashioning permanent signs denoting what each Character Counts color means.
“Neighbors across the street and parents have commented about how it makes the club look cheerier and more inviting for kids,” McCool said.
The Character Count colors and their meanings:
uTrustworthiness: (think true blue). It represents the following: Be honest,; Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal; Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do;  Have the courage to do the right thing;  Build a good reputation;  Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
uRespect: (think the Golden Rule). It represents the following: Treat others with respect by following the Golden Rule; Be tolerant and accepting of differences; Use good manners, not bad language; Be considerate of the feelings of others ; Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone;  Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
uResponsibility: (think green for a garden or finances or as in being solid like an oak tree). It represents the following: Do what you are supposed to do; Plan ahead; Persevere: keep on trying; Always do your best; Use self-control; Be self-disciplined; Think before you act — consider the consequences; Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes; Set a good example for others
uFairness: (think of dividing an orange into equal sections to share fairly with friends). It represents the following: Play by the rules; Take turns and share; Be open-minded; listen to others; Don’t take advantage of others; Don’t blame others carelessly; Treat all people fairly
uCaring: (think of a heart): It represents the following: Be kind; Be compassionate and show you care; Express gratitude; Forgive others;  Help people in need
uCitizenship: (think regal purple as representing the state). It represents the following: Do your share to make your school and community better;  Cooperate; Get involved in community affairs; Stay informed and vote; Be a good neighbor;  Obey laws and rules; Respect authority; Protect the environment; Volunteer
If you are interested in helping sponsor the signs contact McCool at the Boys & Girls Club, 239.KIDS.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com