SWACO has awarded a $35,000 grant to Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) Ohio to improve the collection of gently used sports equipment and ease the re-distribution of it to schools, youth programs, rec leagues, and community-based organizations serving kids in under-resourced communities in central Ohio.
SWACO鈥檚 investment supported the purchase of a new van for LPF Ohio which will help with the transportation of sports equipment collected from 15 central Ohio drop-off donation locations including several Dicks Sporting Goods, OhioHealth Chiller and Columbus Recreation and Parks facilities to the LPF Ohio warehouse (4848 Evanswood Dr., Columbus). Schools, teachers, athletic and youth organizations which participate in a simple LPF Ohio application process can fill equipment gaps experienced by their programs and participants when they 鈥榮hop the shelves鈥� of gently used items for free.
鈥淎s a former coach and now executive at the landfill, this new partnership is near and dear to me,鈥� said Joe Lombardi, executive director of SWACO. 鈥淟eveling the Playing Field is a great example of how when we rethink the way we approach issues, we can nurture a community that is both more sustainable and more equitable. I鈥檇 call that a 鈥榃鈥� for everyone.鈥�
LPF was founded in 2013 and has re-distributed more than $20M in sporting goods. Since their presence in Ohio was established in 2023, they have collected over $1M worth of sports equipment and impacted more than 150 Ohio programs.
“We are so excited and appreciative of our partnership with SWACO, which will drastically increase our capacity to continue expanding our program here in Ohio. This van will have a very direct, positive impact on the number of schools, coaches, and young people we are able to serve in the community,” said Eric Rutkowski, Program Director – LPF Ohio.
LPF Ohio recently had Marion Franklin High School P.E. teacher Jordan Rawkins return to the warehouse to stock up on essentials for the school year including footballs, cones, frisbees, soccer balls, volleyballs, and basketballs.
Jordan shared, “I visited the warehouse today and wanted to express my gratitude for such a wonderful experience. The equipment selection is great, the help is great and most importantly, you guys provide such a wonderful service for these kids in terms of giving them a great learning experience in P.E. in a time where P.E. budgets are stretched thin as it is. Keep up the great work and thank you for your assistance in helping serve my students!”
Earlier this year, SWACO introduced Choose to Reuse, an initiative which prioritizes waste reduction and reuse activities, including shopping second hand and donation. The partnership with Leveling the Playing Field is one of several new strategic partnerships and grant awards SWACO made to support the initiative.