Urgent: Last Chance to Help Kids with Sports Balls Drive by Dec. 28

UPDATE: Time is running out to support the Let’s Play Ball Drive, which aims to provide 2,500 new sports balls to children in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the LA Harbor. With a deadline of December 28, the campaign is within reach of its goal but needs your help to cross the finish line.

“This is our final push,” said Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. The campaign is only 453 balls short of its target, and an anonymous donor has pledged an additional $10,000 if the community can match that amount. “We appreciate everything our community has already given, but we still have a little way to go,” Rodriguez added.

The Let’s Play Ball Drive is backed by the Press-Telegram, Daily Breeze, and their sister publications in partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs. This year, the overall goal is to collect a total of 5,000 sports balls—2,500 for each organization. So far, Long Beach has gathered 2,047 balls, while the Daily Breeze area has contributed over 1,500 balls.

Tom Bray, senior editor of the Los Angeles County publications, expressed confidence in the community’s support. “They just need a little more time,” Bray stated. The deadline was recently extended to December 28 to allow for more contributions.

These sports balls—whether basketballs, footballs, or soccer balls—are critical for promoting teamwork and keeping children active. “Sports help kids build character and stay off the streets,” Rodriguez emphasized.

To incentivize donations, Big 5 Sporting Goods is offering a 25% discount on all regularly priced sports balls at select locations in Long Beach and the South Bay, excluding golf and tennis balls. This discount helps encourage shoppers to donate more.

Donors can contribute in two ways: by dropping off sports balls at designated locations or by purchasing items online. Key drop-off points include:

– **Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach**: 3635 Long Beach Blvd., open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
– **Big 5 Sporting Goods**: 4780 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, and 5247 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood
– **Phil Trani’s Restaurant**: 3490 Long Beach Blvd.
– **First Bank locations**: Various locations including 4040 Atlantic Ave., Bixby Knolls

For those who prefer digital contributions, donations can also be made via the Long Beach clubs’ Amazon wish list at bgclublb.org/Joy.

Rodriguez concluded, “Every donation helps our kids and makes a real difference in their day.” As the holiday season approaches, the urgency to support local youth has never been greater.

Join the campaign and help make a lasting impact on the lives of children in our community. Don’t wait; the clock is ticking and every moment counts!