UPDATE: The countdown is on! The Let’s Play Ball campaign is racing toward its goal of collecting 2,500 new sports balls for kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs, but time is running out. With just 10 days remaining until the deadline of December 28, officials are urging the community to step up and help make a difference.
Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, expressed optimism as they approach the finish line. “We’re very close to reaching our goal and unlocking the magic gift from our angel donor,” he stated. This anonymous benefactor has pledged a matching gift of $10,000, but only if the community raises an additional $10,000 by the deadline, totaling $20,000 for the campaign.
This year’s campaign aims to provide 5,000 sports balls combined for both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor. Currently, Long Beach has received 2,047 balls, while the Daily Breeze area has contributed over 1,500 balls. Rodriguez noted, “Every donation helps our kids and makes a real difference in their day.”
As the holiday season approaches, sports balls are not just gifts; they are essential for promoting health and teamwork among children. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of sports in keeping kids active and off the streets.
The campaign has received powerful support from the community and sponsors, including Big 5 Sporting Goods, which is providing a 25% discount on regularly priced sports balls (excluding golf and tennis balls) for donations made at select locations. Participating stores in Long Beach and the South Bay are ready to assist those looking to contribute.
Donors can bring sports balls to multiple drop-off locations, including:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, 3635 Long Beach Blvd., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Big 5 Sporting Goods, 4780 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach
- Phil Trani’s Restaurant, 3490 Long Beach Blvd.
- 9Round Kickbox & Fitness Center, 6502 E. Spring St.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of L.A. Harbor, 1200 S. Cabrillo Ave., San Pedro
Additionally, donations can be made online through the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list at bgclublb.org/Joy. For further inquiries, email Kari Cho at [email protected].
As the campaign nears its closing date, Tom Bray, senior editor for the Southern California News Group, expressed confidence in the community’s ability to come together. “They just need a little more time,” he said. “We know our readers will come through.”
The clock is ticking—let’s make this holiday season special for the kids! Join the effort now and help us meet the goal by December 28.
