Before teeing off at Rust-Oleum Championship, young golf stars chip in for kids
A pair of up-and-coming golf stars lent a hand Tuesday as fourth and fifth graders at Learn Charter 10 school in North Chicago received sports equipment needed to launch a new after-school program.
Backpacks with either a soccer ball or basketball and other items were assembled and distributed to about 45 kids as part of a Day of Caring highlighting The Sports Shed. The Libertyville-based organization provides athletic equipment to schools and organizations in need.
"You want to keep kids off the street and able to participate in the benefits of sports," said Sherry Arthur, director of development of The Sports Shed. "It's going to be a new program. They've never been able to offer this to the kids before."
Golfers Nick Hardy from Northbrook and Tee-K Kelly of Wheaton took time out from their preparations for this week's Rust-Oleum Championship near Mundelein to assist Tuesday's efforts. The Web.com Tour event runs through Sunday at the Ivanhoe Club, west of Route 60 and north of Route 176.
The golfers worked with kids on a free-throw shooting contest, assembled equipment and took part in other activities.
"I think it's a really cool opportunity to come out here and help," said Kelly.
The Day of Caring is one of the tournament activities. Rust-Oleum contributed $5,000 to the school.
"We're so impressed with what's happening at LEARN Charter 10," said Julie Fiszer, talent acquisition manager for Rust-Oleum. "Their student-centered mission is something we applaud and are privileged to support."
LEARN Charter School Network is a network of college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools serving children in 10 schools in the Chicago area, including Waukegan and North Chicago.
Participation in athletics is linked to lower dropout rates, greater civic involvement and a better chance at moving on to college, according to The Sport Shed, which started in 2009 and works with more than 180 organizations.
"They have a gym," Arthur said of the North Chicago school at 1811 Morrow Ave., "but not one piece of equipment in the gym."