ALLENTOWN, Pa. – As the pandemic began and shutdowns happened William Allen High School athletic director Randy Atiyeh helped volunteers pass out meals to students. Every week he’d watch car after car line up.

It didn’t take long before he had a winning idea.

“I thought how can we get new equipment, new sports equipment into the hands of our young people?” Atiyeh said.

So he thought, why not ask the community and school sponsors to donate so he can purchase new sports equipment to encourage the kids of Allentown to get outside and build their love for playing sports.

“I know myself, as a kid, anytime I get something that’s new you get excited about it. If there are kids in the city of Allentown getting a brand new ball, they’re going to take it out and they’re going to play with it,” Atiyeh said.

Once they get enough donations he’ll purchase the new equipment like balls, gloves, and rackets and let kids from elementary through high school pick them out while they pick up their meals. After all, children need more than just food to nourish and grow.

“It’s good for their health physically, mentally, I mean it’s just, it relieves stress,” Atiyeh said.

He now just needs help from the community to knock the idea out of the park! You can donate through the Build the Nest fundraiser.