The “gear drive” at the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation Center in Idaho Springs opened on March 29, offering brand new tennis and racquetball rackets, athletic socks, baseball gloves, hockey gear, and every type of ball for different sports. Residents were asked to make a $10 donation for rec center programs and events in exchange for the sports equipment available on the floor and tables.
Youth Sports Director Cameron Pehrson, who recently relocated from Arizona to Idaho Springs, expressed his excitement for the opportunity to provide kids with the sports gear they need. Having played college baseball himself, Pehrson understands the importance of having the right equipment for young athletes.
The sports equipment available at the gear drive had been donated to the rec center or left over from previous seasons. Pehrson mentioned that local sports stores also donated brand new gear when he reached out to them. Residents of the area arrived as soon as the doors opened at 1 p.m. to grab items for themselves or their children.
One Idaho Springs resident, Joey Sullivan, donated $10 and allowed the next child to enter and take whatever they wanted for free. Sullivan expressed his gratitude for what he has and wanted to give back to the community in any way he could. The gear drive was a success, with many families benefiting from the abundance of sports equipment available.
