Local Youth Drive Collects Over $19,000 in Sports Equipment for New Jersey Athletes

In a remarkable display of community support, Millburn residents Lucas and Bryan recently spearheaded a highly successful sports equipment drive in collaboration with the Millburn Library. Over the course of a two-week initiative running from September 14 to September 27, local residents donated more than 370 pieces of athletic equipment, totaling over $19,000 in value.

The drive was conducted in partnership with GiftYourGear, a youth-led 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit dedicated to redistributing gently used sports items to underserved communities across New Jersey. Founded by Dhruv Nair, a senior at Montclair Kimberley Academy, GiftYourGear aims to make athletics far more accessible by providing young athletes with the vital equipment needed to play, grow, and thrive.

The Millburn Library drive serves as the launching pad for GiftYourGear's ambitious expansion plan across Essex County and beyond, with future drives slated for surrounding towns including Livingston and West Orange. Every item collected during the drive will go directly to young athletes and key community partner organizations, including:

• Oasis (Paterson)
• Ironbound Community Corporation (Newark)
• Wynona's House (Newark)
• UrbanPromise (Trenton)
• Camden Community Partnership (Camden)

To date, GiftYourGear has established 8 branches across New Jersey, collecting and redistributing more than 1,900 pieces of gear valued at over $94,000. The organization's impactful work has earned statewide recognition, including features on News12 and honors from State Senator Kristin Corrado.

Community members interested in bringing a sports drive to their local town, volunteering, or learning more about the movement can reach out via email at team@giftyourgear.org or visit their official website at giftyourgear.org.