By Eric A Thomas
Where there is a will, there is a way — and one local teenager is leading the way!
After working with area youth last fall, Drew Gillespie, a freshman at Jacksonville High School, noticed a problem. “I was refereeing soccer,” stated Gillespie. “A whole bunch of kids were not wearing proper equipment. I told my mom, and she said maybe you can change that.” Gillespie’s mom triggered the idea, and at the beginning of February JAX Sports Closet was born.
Drew Gillespie approached his church, Central Christian Church, and got permission to be a drop off point for this endeavor. Right now, he is collecting new or gently used equipment for baseball, softball and soccer. If the items do not have holes, dents, tears or rips, they will be accepted. Items that Gillespie is looking for include baseball/softball cleats, helmets, bats, baseballs, softballs and gloves. He is also excepting soccer cleats, shin guards and soccer balls.
Currently there is a box sitting inside the south entrance door (under the portico) at Central Christian Church, 359 W. College Ave. in Jacksonville; Gillespie is using the box to collect equipment donations. People can call the church at 217-243-7461 to verify when the doors are open for donations to be brought. “You can also drop donations off at Fitness World,” Gillespie added. “If I get other locations, I will post on Facebook.” People can follow this project through “JAX Sports Closet” on Facebook for any updates.
The plans right now are to run this charity year-round. “I will distribute the equipment to those in need before the start of the season,” Gillespie concluded. “Alternatively, people can message me through the Sports Closet page on Facebook about what they are needing, and I’ll work on getting that to them.”
His first distribution date will be 1 p.m. on Monday, March 25 at Central Christian Church.; donations received by this point will given to those in need.
Sports activities are good for children and youth for a variety of reasons. Outside of the physical benefits, participation can help reduce stress, improve mental well-being, help to make youth socially aware, help them make friends and boost self-esteem. Being active in sports provides a greater development of hand and eye coordination, movement skills, endurance and improves strength. Proper equipment is key to being successful in sporting activities.
