Number of Participants: 1
Hours Donated: 20
Value of Time Served: $169
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Golf
Date: November 20, 2020
Location:
Winchester
MA, USA
About:
The first DriveForeGood equipment collection was a beginner effort, but it turned out to be a success, even during Covid. My idea was to help kids who might not have access to play golf by helping provide equipment and youth programs. After the concept took root, I had to figure out what things to collect, the best way to get the word out, and where it would make the most impact.
Initially, I thought of all of the golf shirts, golf shoes, clubs, and bags that me and my friends were outgrowing and collecting dust. So I took a broad approach to the collection. I asked if anyone could donate any used golf shirts, clubs, bags and shoes. I then reached out to my teammates on the Winchester High School Varsity Golf Team, and other friends and families with emails and texts. I also connected with anyone else in Winchester that mentioned used equipment, and told them I was happy to take it. I then researched places to donate, and was really excited to land on The First Tee of Massachusetts. They run many outreach programs with the purpose of exporting kids to golf and having a positive impact in their lives. They reach out to them in schools and summer clinics at various MA golf courses. After sorting through all of the equipment, I loaded my dad’s truck and drove it all down to The Links in Norton, MA. There the First Tee will either use the clubs or sell them, and use the proceeds to support their outreach programs.
I learned a lot from the first Drive. Winchester really came through with support. We dropped off about 25 bags of donated clubs at The Links. I was also able to narrow down what to collect. With Covid, it was not the best time to reuse personal items like the clothes and shoes. Also, it turned out that the First Tee could only use the bags and clubs, and were always looking for golf tees, too. The First Tee can also use anything from youth to adult equipment. It gave me ideas for planning the next Drive in the Spring of 2021.