Cleats For Kids – Empowering Youth in Need

Did you know that…

• Student athletes are four times more likely to attend college.
• Physically active kids have up to 40 percent higher test scores.
• Student athletes have an 11 percent higher graduation rate than non-athletes.

(Sources: Dept of Education, Aspen Institute)

Unfortunately, children from low-income families are not likely to participate in sports due to the high cost of needed equipment.

In order to address this issue and inspired to donate their children’s old sports gear and equipment to children in need, Oklahoma City residents, Stacy and Marc McDaniel founded the non-profit Cleats for Kids (C4K) in 2011.

In 2016, C4K’s reach expanded to Ohio when Bari Lansberg opened a local chapter in Cincinnati. The chapter provides sports gear and equipment to athletes that cannot afford to purchase their own. The organization also helps athletes build important life skills such as: teamwork, leadership, discipline, responsibility and time management, while fostering new friendships and encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.

Ed Kuresman, Madison’s chief investment officer, recently volunteered at C4K’s first annual Party in the Parking Lot where people donated new or gently used sports gear.

“It was a great event and we had a terrific time,” said Kuresman. “Madison is proud to support Cleats for Kids and it is rewarding to see children being able to play the sports they love and not have to worry about the high cost of equipment.”

Ohio C4K now has donation drives throughout the year, collecting new and gently used sporting gear to local kids in need. Donations are also accepted at blue C4K bins located throughout Cincinnati.

Ohio C4K also offers volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults to assist other local organizations with their respective programs.  For example, C4K volunteers assist with the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s Saturday Hoops– a program that engages at-risk youth in basketball and other sports in Over the Rhine.

To learn more about this nonprofit, visit:  Ohio Cleats for Kids.