It was a sporting goods extravaganza in our soccer building as our friends from Wintrust recently spent the day putting together packages of sports equipment to donate to local schools and nonprofits, including Mercy Home.
The equipment was provided by Good Sports, a nonprofit based out of Boston whose mission is to give all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need.
The energy was palpable from the get-go as dozens of volunteers started the day off with a rock-paper-scissors competition. Next, they split into teams in the center of the room with tables of different sporting goods surrounding them. They then assembled the equipment into packages for each organization, which included items such as basketballs, volleyballs, jump ropes, and yoga mats.
Along with Mercy Home, the boxes were sent to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, KIPP Chicago Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Christ the King High School, After School Matters, and Chicago Jesuit Academy.
Throughout the day, a representative from each organization spent time talking to the volunteers, explaining where the equipment was going and what it would mean to the kids. Volunteers from Wintrust also had the opportunity to learn more about the mission of Mercy Home and even went on tours of the home.
“I think everyone enjoyed being out of the office and doing something together,” said Katina Panagopoulos, who is Vice President at Wintrust and a member of our Leader Council. “I think that it was meaningful team building just to be off campus, to all be wearing the same shirt, and to spend the time together with no other distractions.”
The total donation value of the sporting goods was $70,027 and is expected to impact 22,435 kids throughout Chicago. We want to send a big thank you to our friends at Good Sports for their generosity and for all the volunteers at Wintrust who helped get the sporting equipment to the kids who need it most.
At Mercy Home, sports are more than just an outlet for fun – they are part of the therapeutic treatment we provide for our kids. Sports help kids rebuild trust, work with others to achieve a common goal, build confidence and self-esteem – all things that are important for kids impacted by trauma as they seek to heal and grow.
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