Ways To Donate Sports Gear For Kids In Western New York

Play It Forward Presented by Paula's Donuts: Help Give Every Kid in WNY the Chance to Play

In Western New York, sports are more than just games. They are where kids build confidence, make friends, and feel like they belong.

But for many families, the cost of equipment is a real barrier. In fact, 1 in 5 kids are not playing sports simply because of how expensive gear has become.

That is where Play It Forward comes in.

What Is Play It Forward?

April 13th through May 31st, the community is invited to donate new or gently used sporting goods to help local kids get in the game.

All donations benefit Leveling the Playing Field and the Police Athletic League, two organizations working to expand access to youth sports right here in Western New York.

About Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and redistributing sports equipment to under-resourced communities.

Their mission is simple but powerful: remove the financial barriers that prevent kids from participating in sports.

By providing free equipment to schools, teams, and programs, they help ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and succeed both on and off the field.

Where to Donate

Donating is easy, with multiple convenient drop-off locations across Western New York:

What You Can Donate

You can donate new or gently used sporting equipment, including items like baseball and softball gear, soccer equipment, basketballs, cleats, gloves, and more.

Be Part of Something Bigger

This is a chance for Western New York to come together and support the next generation.

That old glove in your garage, the extra basketball in your basement, or the cleats your child outgrew could be exactly what another kid needs to get started.

Through Play It Forward, you are not just donating equipment. You are giving a child the chance to play, to be part of a team, and to build memories that last a lifetime.