I work for an after-school program in Oakland, CA. I know many of the kids love playing basketball—it is one of their favorite activities and a lot of them are quite talented too! With just a little coaching to harness their natural skills, their love of basketball can turn into a fun, challenging, and rewarding athletic activity. To this end, I am helping to organize a FREE basketball clinic for these underprivileged kids. We have secured the participation of some local high school and college basketball players to serve as instructors at the clinic (and we're HOPING, but not sure yet, to have a surprise visit from an NBA star!)

We're asking for your contribution to help with some of the costs for this clinic, the biggest cost being the extra insurance we need to pay to the facility where we hope to host the clinic. This is a legal thing in case anyone gets hurt. Other than that, we don’t need much more, except some water and Gatorade (because one of the important lessons these kids will learn is the importance of staying hydrated!).

These are great kids who face awful challenges. They are forced to cope with news about crime on a daily basis as they live in one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Giving these kids a safe and fun activity is one of the best gifts you can give them.

Please help us bring this free basketball clinic to these great kids in Oakland.