MANSFIELD — A new donation drive aims to put sports gear and activewear directly into the hands of those who need it most.
The summer sports donation drive is based on the idea that outdoor play is critical for the physical, social and mental health of the youth, and proper equipment isn’t as accessible as it should be.
“I’m really excited for this drive specifically because outdoor play is filled with fond memories for so many of us, and to try and play a part in catalyzing that feeling is such a privilege,” said Josh Mazzocco, founder of Revitalizing Individuals, Streets and Environments (RISE) Mansfield.
Schools, local organizations, groups of active players at parks and anyone interested in getting active without the means to do so will receive donations.
“The summer phase of the donation drive is the initial phase, doing groundwork to get some momentum,” he said.
Mazzocco said he would eventually like to transform it to work with schools and organizations to sponsor children who don’t have the financial resources to play sports they’d like to, and aiding local youth sports programs.
Local partnerships support donation effort
The drive shares two sponsor/drop off spots with RISE Mansfield’s other active donation drives, The 101 Tea Co. and Hamilton’s on Main.
Dylan Wade from Brennan’s Barbershop also agreed to be a part of this donation drive as a drop off location and sponsor.
Mazzocco launched RISE Mansfield in February, after deciding he could not ignore a growing sense that more direct action needed to happen. He built the organization around a simple idea: small, consistent acts of giving can reshape a community over time.
From the beginning, Mazzocco wanted RISE Mansfield to work alongside local businesses. He said those partnerships help make community service visible, accessible and welcoming.
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The summer sports drive adds to two existing efforts that continue without a set end date. A donation drive at Hamilton’s on Main supports the Domestic Violence Shelter, while a separate drive at The 101 Tea Co. accepts general donations year-round with its “Bring Anything” approach.
Mazzocco described the effort at The 101 Tea Co. as intentionally flexible. He said the “Bring Anything” approach removes guesswork and encourages people to give whatever they can.
Instead of publishing a list of specific needs, the drive promises every item will find a place where it can help. Mazzocco said that philosophy keeps donations flowing and allows volunteers to respond quickly to changing needs in the community.
“Donations of any size contribute to a snowball effect that can only benefit our community,” he previously told Richland Source.