Teamwork, making new friends, developing hand-eye coordination and self-confidence, and getting on the road to a healthy lifestyle with outdoor fun under the sun.
Don’t all youngsters deserve that opportunity?
Yvonne Garcia says “yes.” And, motivated by seeing her own young son benefit from the sporting experience – but outgrowing his related attire – a new Coachella Valley 501(c)(3). organization left the starting blocks.
Up to the plate steps Gear it Forward, dedicated to collecting and distributing gently used and new sporting goods to Coachella Valley youngsters whose families may struggle to meet such expenses.
Gear it Forward began as a loosely organized word-of-mouth and social media campaign that quickly resulted in several large bins filled with still-usable gear. With reviews being overwhelmingly positive, Gear it Forward set its sights on another level.
“We may have a future superstar in our community, who knows?”, mused Mrs. Garcia. “Let’s give all our kids a chance to reach their potential.”
That thought process led Mrs. Garcia to seek partnerships to assist in parents with paying league fees, and access for young athletes to coaching and skills workshops featuring one-on-one coaching support.
And what ages are those potential superstars? “We aim to cover kids from kindergarten through high school,” said Mrs. Garcia.
The full court press caught the attention of the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose generous assistance allowed Gear it Forward to spread its wings and help cover, through workshops, a “big ten” of athletic activities – basketball, soccer, baseball, football, volleyball, tennis, softball, martial arts, wrestling, and golf.
“That support and commitment reflect the power of community investment in youth, wellness, and opportunity across the Valley,” adds Mrs. Garcia.
More partners becoming involved with Gear it Forward means more youth can be suited up, more parents can be assisted in covering league fees, and more youngsters can benefit from one-on-one instruction.
Gear It Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to remove financial barriers so every child in the Coachella Valley community has the opportunity to play sports, build confidence, and grow into leaders.
For more information, call (619) 977-7862 or visit gearitforward.org.
