Donation of sports equipment sought

A Plumsted teen organization that works to protect the great outdoors is shifting its focus to help less fortunate individuals play there.

From now through Nov. 15, the Plumsted Youth for Nature and the Environment (PYNE) will be collecting sports equipment to contribute to a not-for-profit organization in New York called Let’s Play it Forward.

The collection drive, which is led by New Egypt High School sophomore Ryan Devine, will take place 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 25 and Nov. 15 at the Plumsted Township municipal building on Evergreen Road.

According to PYNE, gently used baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, tennis and golf equipment is needed, along with footballs, kickballs, soccer balls, basketballs, tennis balls and volleyballs.

Practice vests (pinnies), orange cones and discs, team uniforms in sets of 12 or more, and gently used sneakers and cleats are also being requested.

PYNE is a youth-led organization for teenagers and young adults in grades six through 12. Children in the fourth and fifth grades may participate as junior members.

Let’s Play it Forward states that since 2012 it has collected and donated more than 19,000 pieces of used sports equipment to individuals across the United States and in far-flung locations such as South Africa and Myanmar.

While PYNE members will only be on hand during the Oct. 25 and Nov. 15 donation dates, the group will have a collection bin for sports equipment in place at the municipal building on other days leading up to Nov. 15.

Arrangements can be made for individuals who would like to donate sports equipment but cannot get to the municipal building. Call 609-752-7178 for additional information.