URGENT UPDATE: The countdown is ON! The Let’s Play Ball Drive campaign is racing against the clock to reach its goal of 2,500 new sports balls for the Boys & Girls Clubs kids by the fast-approaching deadline of December 28, 2023. With only 10 days left, your support is crucial to unlock an additional $10,000 from an anonymous donor!
“We’re very close to reaching our goal and unlocking the magic gift from our angel donor,” said Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. This generous donor has pledged $10,000 but requires the community to match it with another $10,000. If successful, this will double the funds raised to $20,000 for the campaign.
Currently, 2,047 balls have been collected in Long Beach, and over 1,500 balls have been secured in the Daily Breeze area. The annual Let’s Play Drive is a collaboration between the Press-Telegram, Daily Breeze, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and L.A. Harbor. The campaign aims to provide 5,000 sports balls in total—2,500 for each organization.
Tom Bray, senior editor for the Southern California News Group, expressed confidence in the community’s support. “They just need a little more time,” he emphasized. “We know our readers will come through.”
These sports balls, which include basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls, are essential for promoting teamwork and keeping kids active and off the streets. Rodriguez stated, “Every donation helps our kids and makes a real difference in their day.”
To encourage donations, select Big 5 Sporting Goods locations in Long Beach and the South Bay are offering a 25% discount on any regularly priced sports balls purchased for donation. Notably, this discount excludes golf balls and tennis balls.
Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Drop off new sports balls at various locations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach’s main office at 3635 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA.
2. Make online donations and purchase items from the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list at bgclublb.org/Joy.
Participating drop-off locations include:
– Big 5 Sporting Goods: 4780 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, and 5247 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood.
– Phil Trani’s Restaurant: 3490 Long Beach Blvd.
– Boathouse on the Bay Restaurant: 190 Marina Drive, Long Beach.
– First Bank locations throughout Long Beach and Torrance.
The campaign is continually seeking more drop-off locations. If you are interested in becoming a drop-off point, please reach out via email.
With the holiday season upon us, every contribution counts. Let’s work together to make a significant impact in the lives of local children. Together, we can ensure they have the sports equipment necessary for a healthy and active lifestyle. Visit the donation locations or donate online now—time is running out!
