The HUB after-school program will expand its service this year to three days per week, plus early release school days.

More than a year after the service closed for lack of funding, it has risen from the ashes thanks to the support of South Whidbey residents and the HUB’s board. Starting the first day of school, Sept. 4, the hangout’s hours will be 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on early release days.

Kids looking for a place to unwind with table tennis, pool, video games and free food should hit up the HUB. Youth advisors Frankie Petitclerc and Tom Stepanski are there to make sure South Whidbey’s youths have fun and stay safe after the school bells ring.

The youth hotspot needs volunteers for its kitchen, which prepares meals and snacks for up to 40 kids. Organizers of the HUB said they are in the process of a $5,000 matching grant campaign, so any tax-deductible cash donation made is effectively doubled. Checks can be made to The HUB at LUMC and mailed to P.O. Box 374, Langley, WA 98260.