If they don’t have the equipment, which their parents can’t afford, they will be out on the street or playing video games.

Like most kids, Max Levitt loved sports while he was growing up. In fact, he admits that from a very young age and could physically throw an object, he would toss and pitch whatever was available.

Sports were an integral part of his life–so much so that he eventually went off to Syracuse University where he majored in Sports Management and became the Equipment Manager for the football team. It was there that Max learned just how much used and excess equipment accumulates in sports programs. This surplus is not confined to college sports but exists even in many of our own basements and garages. From that realization Max began Leveling the Playing Field which collects equipment and gets it to kids who would not otherwise experience the many benefits of sports activities. Whether it be baseball, basketball, tennis, hockey…studies show that participation in sports may bring better grades, better health and so much more.

When we met Max we were taken with both his seriousness and his passion for the work that he has begun. Starting a non-profit is not for the faint-hearted and Max is not daunted by the challenges he faces. This year alone, more than 5,000 items have been donated, impacting 11,697 kids. Those numbers translate into a savings of more than $88,000 to recreation programs across numerous states and even in Israel. With the Good People Fund’s $5000 matching grant Max and Leveling the Playing Field will have significant resources to help carry out their mission.

How much unused equipment sits in your garage?