Submitted
The Fort Hays State University Student Veterans Association in conjunction with the Hays Recreation Commission is proud to announce the kickoff of a project to give back to the community.
The SVA is starting an all-donation-based sports equipment locker to be located at the Hays Recreation Commission building.
The purpose of the Area Youth Equipment Locker is to provide new or gently used, sports equipment to those youth in our community that may not be afforded the opportunity to purchase sports equipment otherwise. The AYEL will not charge for the equipment that a child receives; however, we do request those participating in the program either bring in a piece of sports equipment that they are no longer using or return the equipment they take if it is still in good working condition.
Student Veterans Association is asking for the help of the community in providing some gently used equipment to help get us started or a monetary donation that can be dropped off at HRC marked attn: Area Youth Equipment Locker or AYEL.
The Student Veterans Association is just coming off a fundraiser that raised $2,500 for scholarships for veterans and current service members to take classes at FHSU.
The kickoff for AYEL fundraising will be a 50/50 raffle at the basketball game on Thursday when the Fort Hays State Tigers take on the Lions of Missouri Southern. A portion of the proceeds raised by the SVA will go to pay fees at the rec commission for the children whose families cannot afford to do so, the other half will go to one lucky winner at the game.
The goal of this program is to help make children’s lives a little better.
“We will never know the full impact of the AYEL. If a child receives a pair of cleats from the AYEL, gains confidence, becomes a world-famous soccer player, and changes the lives of others it is a big win!!! If a child receives a pair of cleats from the AYEL, and that child smiles, it is just as big of a win!!!” the SVA said in a news release.
“Please help us to start creating smiles for all those children in our community that may need it. We are looking for sports equipment for all ages for both boys and girls alike,” the release said.
See the following list of locations that will have a drop box for equipment. Continue checking for more drop off locations as the group is hoping this list continues to grow.
Drop off Locations:
- First Care Clinic, 105 West 13th St. Hays Ks
- Kat’s Hallmark Shop, 4320 Vine St. Hays Ks
- Hays Recreation Commission, 1105 Canterbury Drive, Hays KS
Types of equipment needed:
- Baseball/softball cleats
- Soccer cleats
- Gloves/bats/balls
- Basketballs/volleyballs/soccer balls
- Volleyball kneepads
- Soccer shin guards
- Tennis rackets/balls
- Golf clubs/balls
- Football cleats
- Football pads
- Swimming googles
- Weight lifting gloves/belts
The Student Veterans Association would love your support on this community project. If you would like any further information, you can send an email to [email protected].