Jackson said he \u201csaw the need of giving back because the kids there, they are deprived from a certain equipment needed to enhance their physical well-being.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had like 60 kids in one PE class, and we have like 60 balls we could give to every kid. When I\u2019m there [in Jamaica], one ball would serve for like 70 kids \u2014 one ball,\u201d he said. \u201cAs much as these equipments are already used, if these kids could only get them, they would be so much happier.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clay Springs students and members of the Apopka community helped provide approximately $2,000 worth of donated sports equipment for the project. Jackson credited Clay Springs parent engagement liaison Christine Muchow with creating \u201cthe master plan.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of this project, our students are collecting, sorting, and packaging donated sports equipment to send to the schools in the Blue Mountains,\u201d Muchow wrote in an April 21 letter asking for help with shipping costs. \u201cThey are also writing heartfelt letters of encouragement and goodwill to accompany each shipment \u2014 messages meant to uplift, inspire, and build connections between children across borders.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The equipment was sent to Jamaica on May 22. Jackson said he would be \u201cinterested\u201d in making the donation drive an annual tradition \u201cif it\u2019s possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just the beginning \u2014 it was just like a trial, more emotional connection, just giving back something,\u201d he said. \u201cBut if we can plan effectively and gather more things of a wider range, not only books, but say \u2014 food is something that I\u2019m sure they will also welcome. If we can make food packages when they get there to different families and they take them home, or clothing, anything, we can think outside of just sporting equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College’s journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.<\/p>\n