NATCHEZ &045; The Boys & Girls club is still not open for children after being vandalized this weekend, although the lunch program operated through the club started again Wednesday.

Matilda Stephens, director of development, said the club should be open Friday.

Right now, the club is trying to get the plumbing straightened out. This is not directly related to the vandalism that occurred during the weekend but was delayed because of clean up.

Stephens said after the incident was publicized and a $300 reward posted for the vandals, many children in the neighborhood have told the club of potential suspects in the case.

Stephens said they have been cautious about reopening the club for safety reasons as well as the plumbing situation.

&uot;The club is cleaned but we have had people come in the building saying their throat is burning,&uot; Stephens said.

So, they let the building air out for another 24 hours.

The club is still trying to assess the damage. Many of the pieces of equipment that were initially working are now useless.

Stephens said many people have reached out in the community offering to help, including children that attend the club and their parents.

&uot;That has been really rewarding,&uot; Stephens said.

She said many children are calling and saying they are bored.

&uot;Some of the kids are really upset,&uot; Stephens added.