Booster club creates program to recycle equipment

Following a suggestion from the high school principal, the Springfield Booster Club have created the Cosmos Closet — a way for athletes from grades 6-12 to share equipment and shoes they are no longer using with those who need them to participate in sports, or to participate more safely.


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2016-12-29 / Sports Booster club creates program to recycle equipment By NEIL P. ALLEN For the Eagle Times SPRINGFIELD — Following a suggestion from the high school principal, the Springfield Booster Club have created the Cosmos Closet — a way for athletes from grades 6-12 to share equipment and shoes they are no longer using with those who need them to participate in sports, or to participate more safely. “Bindy [Hathorn] came to us with the idea,” said Jessica Martin, a member of the booster club. “She wanted us to be able to get equipment so that any student could participate or participate more safely.” “Rachel and Denise Hunter brought it up at a meeting. They needed someone to help organize it,” Martin said. “I volunteered.” “We don’t want equipment to be a reason a student can’t participate in school sports or in club sports, like wrestling,” said Martin. “Without a sports goods store in town, it is difficult for parents to get the equipment that is needed — they end up going to Claremont, Keene or Rutland.” The “closet” started in early December with an equipment drop-off at the first home girls’ JV and varsity basketball game with an offer of a voucher for a free popcorn and water at the game. “We’ve had a tremendous response so far,” Martin said. They have received donations of six pairs of new shoes from two anonymous donors, sneakers, cleats, baseball mitt and bowling balls as well as “some cash donations,” Martin said. The donations have been used to buy new laces and inserts for the shoes as well as purchasing shoes. “We hope when current athletes are finished with their season and they don’t still need the equipment that they will repurpose them,” she said. “It would be a great habit to start.” If you don’t have equipment but would like to make a cash donation, you may send donations or gift cards to sports stores directly to the Springfield Booster Club at PO BOX 666, Springfield, VT 05150. “People can donate for a specific item,” Martin said. “Some sports, like track, need a specific shoe for each event or for wearable supports.” More equipment drop dates and locations will be announced as they come along. To make an equipment donation or receive needed equipment, contact Martin at vermontjester@yahoo.com with Cosmos Closet in the subject or talk to a guidance counselor or coach.