Manassas Law Firm To Give Away $20K In Sports Equipment For 'Kids At Play' Campaign

MANASSAS, VA — The Parrish Law Firm in Manassas said it would donate $20,000 worth of sports equipment to local children over the next five years. The donations are part of the law firm's "Wild Summer: Kids at Play" campaign.

The firm said it would focus on giving away bikes with helmets, soccer, basketball and football equipment.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage children to spend more time outside and less time with screens. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average child spends about seven and a half hours per day on screens.

Meanwhile, children spend about 4 to 7 minutes outside each day, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.

Allowing children to play outdoors can be a crucial part of their development, according to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Physical activity is associated with improved cognitive functioning, better mental health, and higher levels of academic achievement.

"When I was a kid, my first thought every summer morning was to get outside as quickly as possible to play sports with my friends," says Jim Parrish, founder of the Parrish Law Firm. “Now I walk through my neighborhood, and I don’t see a single kid in sight. We as a community need to change that."

There are several barriers that prevent kids from getting outside, including safety concerns from parents and a lack of community resources.

"Along with giving away outdoor equipment, the Parrish Law Firm will also be equipping parents with free resources and inspiration to get their kids out in nature more regularly," the firm said in a news release. "The Parrish Law Firm is also actively working with local national, regional and state parks to provide discounted access to these nature reserves."

The Parrish Law Firm is now accepting applications and nominations from community members. An online application allows community members to apply or nominate a child. The deadline for applications is July 30.