All Kids Deserve to Play!

My Story:

Hi, I’m Tristan Queener! To give some background, I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, tennis, or even tee-ball as a little kid, I have tried it all. Currently, I am an avid athlete, participating in 3 varsity sports at my high school: Volleyball, Wrestling, and Soccer. Consequently , with all of this experience in club, recreational, and school sports, I have know first hand not only how expensive equipment can get, but how limited means can prevent kids from doing what they love. So when, during my first volleyball season, a teammate handed me a pair of well-kept shoes that he had outgrown; I understood the important role that giving back plays in communities. That simple gesture opened my eyes: it wasn't just about the gear, but about the culture of support that keeps youth sports alive. It sparked the realization that one player's 'extra' equipment can be the very thing that keeps another player in the game. For me, To have someone think about me like that provided me with a sense of security; like I knew I could rely on my teammates for anything. I want to share that feeling with kids across my community. That is why I started The Second Step Drive- to make sure every kid gets an opportunity to do what they love, free of charge.

Why its important:

“Children in ‘low socio-economic schools’ participate in sports at a rate that is 12% less than those in ‘high socio-economic schools’”.

As a multi-sport athlete, I know first hand how expensive all the different equipment is. First, its the shoes. Next, the shin guards and headgear. You always need something else, and it is never cheap. This stipulation is becoming the main driving force that de-influences youth athletes from participating in the activities they love. That is why we need your help. By donating gently used shoes and equipment that no longer serve you, you can give kids in your community the chance to participate in sports, free of economic barriers.

Our Process

This process begins with you. We collect all donations from pick up or drop off before evaluation and refurbishing can begin.

1.

Next, we make sure the equipment is in the proper shape to be donated. We make sure everything is gently used and functional. If the equipment does not meet standards; we are lucky to be working with XXXX to recycle and help it get there.

2.

Finally, the equipment is donated to Myrtle Beach’s local youth recreational athletic programs. Among these include: XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX.

3.

FAQ

  • We collect all types of shoes at any size! Soccer/ Baseball/ Football cleats, Cheer/Dance Shoes, Tennis Shoes, Wrestling Shoes, Basketball/ Volleyball Shoes, etc.

  • Donations can be dropped of at the front office of Myrtle Beach High School. If you are unable to drop off, feel free to email us about other possible options.

  • Email the given contact or one of our partnered with recreational programs. Again these include XXX at xxxx@xxx.com, XXXX at xxx@xxx.com, and XXX at xxx@xxx.com.