Our faithful reader and Keeks’ concert buddy Erweezy is trying to help some East LA kiddies keep their sports programs. The Nike Back Your Block grant program is investing $650,000 in programs across the country to help “unlock the potential of young people through the power of sports.”

 Click here to vote for the Variety Boys and Girls’ Club of Boyle Heights.

Some info about Variety Boys and Girls’ Club:

We have expanded college and career counseling, and provide SAT, college application and essay preparation. We offer special presentations on health and family issues, sports and recreational activities, teach story writing and computer, IT and research skills…We have now awarded $1,700,000 to 550 students since 1972. 

 

Over 50% of children ages 5 – 17 years old live below the Federal poverty level. More than half of the residents are non-English speaking immigrants. By all indicators in the Federal government’s definition, Boyle Heights is a distressed area; all youth are high-risk. With Nike’s investment in Variety Boy’s and Girl’s Club we will be able continue to serve a community surrounded by Los Angeles’ highest concentration of criminally active gangs, most of our members have family who are also gang members. We will be able to provide alternatives to gang life through sports, as well as the skills to resist those detrimental influences.

 

Sports are an excellent way for kids to not only learn leadership and team-building skills, but to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We know you all luh’ the kids, so go head and help them get that $$.

Tags: East LA, Nike Back Your Block, Variety Boys and Girls Club