NewsLocal News

Actions

13-year-old Cape Coral student starts sports equipment drive to help classmates in need

Posted at 7:30 AM, Feb 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-15 07:33:30-05

CAPE CORAL, Fla-- A Cape Coral middle school student is gaining attention online and in her community after starting a sports equipment drive to help kids her age in need. 

13-year-old Carlee Groeneveld said it originally started as an IB project at Mariner Middle school, but "Have a Ball Sports Equipment Drive" has taken off with donations pouring in from local organizations, teachers, classmates and even the Miami Heat. 

"I noticed that kids at some recreational areas don’t have very good sports equipment, so I decided since I love sports so much I want to help kids have a better opportunity of using and learning to love sports like I did," said Groeneveld. 

All of the donations received will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of North Fort Myers. 

"So I did some research on the Boys and Girls Club and I noticed that they are really low on good sports equipment. They have holes in their nets and their basketballs are torn up," said Groeneveld. 

The teenager has even created homemade barrels for local organizations and businesses to collect donations. 

"Everything she sets her mind to it's absolutely amazing to me, what she can accomplish being 13-years-old," said Carlee's mom Laurie Groeneveld. 

Hooters in Fort Myers has also gotten involved with Carlee's sports equipment drive and will be hosting an event on February 24th to raise even more awareness.

CLICK HERE for more information.