Bergen Woman Organizes Nike 'Just Donate It' Drive

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Rochelle Park woman has organized a collection drive of unwanted Nike products following the company's controversial decision to use NFL free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick in its "Just Do It" campaign.

Casey Connors placed a donation box at the Rochelle Park American Legion Post 170 where people can drop off their Nike merchandise. It will be there until after the 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Tuesday. Vietnam veterans will pick up the donations Wednesday morning.

The clothes will be sold and 70 percent of the proceeds will be donated to needy veterans, Connors said.

Nike has included Kaepernick in its 30th anniversary advertising campaign of its Just Do It slogan. The move has been met with reports of people burning their Nike apparel, including sneakers and people vowing to boycott the brand due to Kaepernick kneeling, rather than standing, while the national anthem was played during the start of NFL games. He said he kneeled in protest against racial injustice in the United States.

"As Americans we have the right to our own opinions, that is what makes this country so great. I personally do not agree with the NFL or Nike in their recent decisions so I feel like this is the perfect time to do something about it and not just lash out at ignorance on social media," Connors said on a Facebook post promoting the donation drive. "Instead of throwing out, burning or destroying any NFL or Nike gear, just donate it."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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