DALLAS -- On July 25, a bustling group of children crowded around the tables at Vickery Family Wellness Center, a Buckner community center, busily scribbling thank-you notes, while one boy sat in the computer lab exploring the Dallas Mavericks Web site; all eagerly waiting for the dedication service to begin that honored Vickery’s new computer lab.

Excited voices filled the room, and much-anticipated guests Mavericks Coach Rolando Blackman and former Mavericks player Erick Strickland arrived at the center just in time for the dedication ceremony.

The Mavericks and the Mavericks Foundation united to create a Dallas Mavericks Reading and Learning Center at Buckner Vickery Wellness Center, with help from sponsors Glidden, Office Expo and DeVry University.

“We had known from last season about Vickery’s need for a computer lab,” said Matt Miller, Mavericks corporate communications and community relations coordinator. In response, the foundation recommended Vickery to be the recipient of the computer lab.

“It’s helpful for the kids because their homework often requires the use of a computer, and many of these kids and their families don’t have access to one,” said Maria Pacheco, Vickery site coordinator.

With donated desks and chairs from Office Expo, a new paint job compliments of Glidden, and new computers and networking supplies from the Mavericks, the computer lab was born.

“It’s been way beyond anything we could envision,” Pacheco said. “We will never forget the help.”

Even after the computer lab was finished, the Mavericks Foundation began working to enhance the educational aspect of the lab.

“We’re trying to put in education software on the computers too, so it’s not just internet and chatting,” Miller said.

Pacheco noted that they’ve already seen an increase in the number of teenagers coming to the center since the introduction of the computer lab.

Because of the Mavericks’ involvement in the children’s education, “it makes it cool for the kids to do well in school,” Pacheco said.

The computer lab isn’t just for children or teenagers; it’s also a place for adults.

“While the kids are at school, parents can come and look for a job or improve on their skills,” Miller said.

Miller believes the computer lab already has made a positive impact on the children and their families.

To remind the children of the Mavericks’ dedication to them, the computer lab is doused with blue walls, blue chairs, Maverick mouse pads and even a special painting of a young boy in a Mavericks uniform painted by Jennifer Kindert.

“[The painting] is a tribute to the children,” Kindert said.

Kindert’s painting encourages dreaming and aspirations, she said, and pictures Mavericks players in the clouds because the children look to them as role models.

“The Mavs have been excellent mentors,” said JoAnn Cole, executive director of Buckner Children and Family Services of North Texas. “The Mavs inspire the children.”

Blackman expressed his confidence in the children and their aspirations.

Because of this computer lab, “they have a chance to enhance themselves and the community around them,” he said.