A new program led by members of a Gilmer Chamber leadership class will give more school-age kids the opportunity to play a sport.
The Gilmer Sports Collective was recently formed out of the current Leadership Gilmer class. Those taking the class provided by the local Chamber of Commerce work in teams, which put together original, sustainable community service projects, noted Kim Sproull, sports collective team member.
“We’re trying to help all kids play,” Sproull said.
Donated items can range from protective gear like helmets, pads and shin guards to baseball and softball bats and gloves to footwear like socks and cleats, Sproull noted.
“We’re not raising funds. We’re not asking for anything other than gently-used equipment,” she added.
Donated equipment will go to the county recreation department to be used by team members who need the gear. The rec department currently offers softball, baseball, football, soccer and tennis for young people, confirmed Sproull.
“The rec department makes sure every kid can play, but sometimes the equipment is expensive, and parents may not have the money for all the equipment. That’s where (we) come in,” she added. “Kids grow out of stuff all the time, and parents put it in the closet. Maybe they’ll get rid of it one day, or maybe they don’t want to get rid of it (right away).”
The sports collective’s donation drive was officially launched at the recent Gilmer-Murray County football game. Even after class members who started it graduate out of Leadership Gilmer, donated sporting equipment will still be accepted and distributed by the rec department, Sproull noted.
“It will be ongoing,” she said.
Want to help?
Team members have already begun accepting used sporting equipment, which can be dropped off at the following locations:
﹣ Dalton State College, 103 Dalton Street
﹣ Anytime Fitness, 96 Craig Street
﹣ Chris Wang State Farm, 772 Maddox Drive, Suite 106
﹣ The Hitting Lab, 200 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 112