Athletic wear can be expensive, and Hannah Bennett wants to alleviate some of that expense for those who can’t afford it.
“We know that physical education and fitness is so important to the well-being of students,” said Bennett, an Augusta University associate professor of kinesiology, who is collecting clean, gently used athletic gear. “We don’t want people not to participate because they don’t have the necessary clothing.”
Bennett wants to collect items that can be donated to local school for children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
“This is something I originally thought of three years ago,” she said.
She started with her own circle of friends and posted it to her personal social media, and she began getting donations from other states. She got a box of items from friends in New Jersey last week, she said.
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Items such as leggings, shorts, capri pants, sports bras, socks and shoes are among the items she’s collecting.
“I’m really looking for something people can be active in,” she said.
While she’s anticipating getting more items that are appropriate for high school students, she hopes people will donate smaller sizes as well.
Donations can be dropped off at the Augusta University Christenberry Fieldhouse or the College of Education Dean’s Office in University Hall, Room 345 through Feb. 26.
Bennett said she will connect with the College of Education to find out where the items will ultimately go. There’s a possibility that some AU students might be on the receiving end of the donations.
“There’s such a diverse population here,” she said. “There could be some students who would benefit.”
For additional information, email Bennett at habennett@augusta.edu.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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