SoccerRECYCLE AND Kick OUT HUNGER

NORTH KINGSTOWN’S OCEAN STATE SOCCER SCHOOL SETS MAY 18TH AS “GIVEBACK SATURDAY”

Soccer families asked to donate used soccer uniforms and equipment to SoccerRECYCLE and canned goods to the “Kick Out Hunger” drive to help struggling North Kingstown families

North Kingstown, RI -  It’s called “Giveback Saturday.” It’s the day Ocean State Soccer School will host two charitable drives to collect used soccer uniforms and equipment as well as canned goods that will be donated to the North Kingstown Food Pantry.  The collections will be held throughout the day on Saturday, May 18, 9am to 2pm, at the soccer fields located at 650 Stony Lane in North Kingstown.  That’s the same day as the association’s popular cook-out day.

For the past two and a half years, Ocean State Soccer has pioneered the innovative SoccerRECYCLE program, created by two players, Cassandra and Christiana Layman.  The program has collected thousands of used uniforms and soccer gear (soccer balls, soccer shoes, and shin guards) to be sent to communities that can’t afford uniforms and equipment.   

Last fall, another player, 8-year-old Rylie Wallace, came up with the idea for a food drive--”Kick Out Hunger.”  The successful first time effort sent boxes of canned food to the North Kingstown Food Pantry. The pantry provides food to an average of 160 North Kingstown families each month.  The Food Pantry General Manager Bonnie Smith says, “Our mission is to serve those in need 7 days a week; not just the holidays. Food is the ultimate necessity. This will really help us out.”  

Jeff Wallace, Vice President of the soccer association (and Rylie’s dad) believes these efforts send an important message. “At Ocean State Soccer, we teach our kids soccer, good sportsmanship, and good, healthy fun. But we also want to show them the importance of serving others who are less fortunate.” 

Cassandra and Christiana Layman say the request to these hundreds of soccer families is really quite simple, “Bring in a canned good or two on game day and empty out your closets and drawers holding those old uniforms and soccer gear. Bring them to the field and we, along with Rylie, will get them to those who need them.” 

Wallace says with a laugh that collecting items is easy. The hard part is getting parents, players and coaches to remember to bring in the items on May 18!  Wallace also says anyone can donate food or soccer items. This is not limited to Ocean State Soccer families. 

So, here’s the reminder.  Why not clip it and put it on your refrigerator! 

What:  “Giveback Saturday”  

            Donate old soccer uniforms and gear (SoccerRECYCLE)

            Donate a canned good or two (Kick Out Hunger)

When:  All day Saturday, May 18 (9am to 2pm)

Where:  Ocean State Soccer School - 650 Stony Lane, N. Kingstown

For additional information call: 

401-667-4936 or 401-654-1104