Elsa Rodruiguez Pio, 12, along with other students, is collecting athletic shoes for those who need them.
Their motive is simple.
“They’re expensive,” says Adilene Valeriano.
Their objective is simple.
“It’s about sports shoes,” says Andres Celis.
Their mission is the simplest of all.
“We want to help kids,” says Elsa Rodruiguez Pio.
A group of Northfield Middle School students, in partnership with the Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, have started a collection at the school to help alleviate some of the costs for a student-athlete.
Students launched the Youth Sports Equipment Exchange to help get athletic footwear — soccer, football, baseball, basketball and wrestling — to students who can’t afford them.
“There’s been a number of people who want to participate but couldn’t afford shoes, especially, or any other necessary equipment,” says Jordan Taylor, an AmeriCorps promise fellow working with the students through HCI.
The idea came from an effort earlier in the school year when five pairs of shoes were provided through HCI to students who needed them.
“We thought it would be good to expand on it,” Taylor said. “It was a need that was there.”
Working with Northfield Middle School, Taylor said there were several students excited about being involved.
“We want to gather a lot of shoes to help,” said seventh-grader Jesus Martinez.
But it’s not just about filling the financial gap for families. Taylor said because middle school students are growing so fast, shoes often don’t last for more than a season.
“They’re just going to throw the shoes,” he said. “It’s a cycle.”
In the two weeks since a collection tub was placed in the school’s front office, about 20 pairs of shoes have been donated. Two pairs of soccer shin guards have also been given.
It’s something Tony Mathison, a football coach at the middle school and girls basketball coach at the high school, likes to see.
During his 20 years of coaching, he said there are always students who need the help, but aren’t always comfortable asking for it. And over the years, he said an effort has been made to help accommodate those who want to play.
“Everyone needs to be treated equally whether they can afford to do that or not,” he said.
And seeing the students’ peers advocating for that equality, Mathison said, is simply positive.
The group meets weekly to talk about the next steps in the process, like getting the shoes to students. For now, needs will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Though, Taylor said a $400 mini-grant has been given from HCI that would help with any request beyond what the group receives.
Taylor said he lets the students lead the group as much as they can, in hopes they will continue the program next year to help more of their peers.
“Definitely,” the students said in unison.
DONATE
WHAT: Gently used athletic shoes and equipment
WHERE: Northfield Middle School, 2200 Division St. S.
WHEN: Until the end of the school year
NEED ATHLETIC SHOES? Contact Jordan Taylor at 664-3524 or jordan.taylor553@gmail.com
— Corey Butler Jr. covers arts, culture and youth issues. He can be reached at cbutler@northfieldnews.com or 645-1114.
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