The project in short...

To commemorate the anniversary of Andrew's death, which celebrates his life, we need your help!

On or around May 26th, your mission (should you decide to take it) is to purchase a ball(s) or some other sporting equipment (he loved skateboards, too) and give it away! 

The number one thing most urban ministries request is basketballs, but they are happy with any sporting equipment.  They use them for rewards, incentives and during their contact time with the kids.  You can donate any sporting equipment you choose...they'll use it all. 

Not sure where to donate it?  Read Below...there are general ideas, not matter your locale, and there are specific ministries that can your help if you live in the Memphis, Portland (Maine) or Phoenix area. 

Here's some ideas:

* Drive to an inner-city neighborhood and find a child and give them a ball!  What an unexpected surprise for them!  (We do this all the time...just make sure to give them a note to take to their parents explaining why you gave them the ball so they dont' get in trouble). 

* Donate balls to your child's school, your church or a community center.

* See if you can locate an inner-city sports program to donate your gift.

*Call your local Make-a-wish or wish-granters and donate a ball to them.  They always give send-off parties (like Andrew had) to their grantees and give them lots of presents.

*Go to your local children's hospital and make a sepcial visit.  Ask for the child-life specialists. 

* Donate to a local emergency shelter for kids to have just been taken from their homes but aren't placed with a foster family just yet.

*Donate to a foster family or a family with special needs children, if you know one.

* Donate to a school for special needs children.

In Memphis:

(Check back for address and phone numbers of the places below)

Eikon Ministries

Sudanese Refugee Tutoring Program

The Neighborhood School

Urban Young Life

In Portland:

The Root Cellar

The Jason Program

The Center for Grieving Children

In Phoenix:

PASS (Tennis equipment only)

Also, if you are aware of a great place to donate in your city, we'd be happy to include it here!