The clock is running down and you\u2019re behind by a few points, but you have your best team on the field. Victory is in sight.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the way we feel with our Play Ball Drive campaign. We are within sight of our goal of 2,500 new sports balls for Boys & Girls Clubs kids. The deadline is Dec. 28.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very close to reaching our goal and unlocking the magic gift from our angel donor,\u201d said Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach. \u201cWe\u2019re thankful for everything our community has already given, but we still have a little way to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
The angel donor he was referring to is the anonymous donor who has contributed $10,000 to the ball campaign, but he has a condition attached to it. The condition is that readers must contribute $10,000 to match the anonymous $10,000 gift. That would make a total donation of $20,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate all the help we\u2019ve received so far,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cWe are almost there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The annual Let\u2019s Play Drive is sponsored by the Press-Telegram and Daily Breeze \u2013 as well as their respective weekly sister publications, the Grunion Gazette and The Beach Reporter \u2013 in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of both Long Beach and the L.A. Harbor.<\/p>\n
The goal this year is to provide at least 5,000 balls combined\u2013or 2,500 to each organization.<\/p>\n
So far, we have collected 2,047 balls in Long Beach. In the Daily Breeze area, more than 1,500 balls have been donated.<\/p>\n
Tom Bray, senior editor of the Los Angeles County publications for the Southern California News Group, including the P-T and the Breeze, said he was confident that readers will come through for the kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey just need a little more time,\u201d he said. \u201cWe know our readers will come through.\u201d The original deadline has been extended to Dec. 28.<\/p>\n
These sports balls, whether for basketball, football, soccer or other activities \u2013 are crucial.<\/p>\n
Sports are great for team building and keep kids off the streets, contributing to their health, Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n
He encouraged donors to visit Big 5 Sporting Goods, which is once again participating in the ball drive.<\/p>\n
Certain Big 5 locations in Long Beach and the South Bay will provide a 25% discount for any regularly priced sports balls that folks buy to donate to the Let\u2019s Play Ball campaign. Golf balls and tennis balls are excluded from this discount.<\/p>\n
There are two ways you can get new sports balls to the Boys & Girls Clubs. First, by dropping them off in person at the various locations listed below. Or, second, by using your credit card online, with instructions also listed below.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery donation helps our kids and makes a real difference in their day,\u201d Rodriguez said. \u201cAs we head into the holidays, we wish everyone a warm and happy season.\u201d<\/p>\n
We thank everyone in advance for making a difference in the lives of so many kids, especially during this holiday season.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s Play Ball<\/p>\n
The Let\u2019s Play Ball campaign benefits both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor. Here\u2019s where you can donate.<\/p>\n
Long Beach area:<\/p>\n
Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach\u2019s main office, 3635 Long Beach Blvd., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
\nBig 5 Sporting Goods: 4780 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, and 5247 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood, during store hours. Big 5 will provide 25% off any regularly priced sports balls, except golf balls and tennis balls, that customers buy to donate to the Play Ball campaign.
\nPhil Trani\u2019s Restaurant, 3490 Long Beach Blvd.
\nBoathouse on the Bay Restaurant, 190 Marina Drive, Long Beach.
\nFirst Bank locations: 4040 Atlantic Ave., Bixby Knolls; 5195 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood; 6200 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach.
\n9Round Kickbox & Fitness Center, 6502 E. Spring St.
\nWatch Me! Sports Bar, 6527 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach.<\/p>\n