Nicholas Sweeney, an Ohio Student, Donates Racquets to TRFK, Inc.

Nicholas Sweeney, a student at the Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio found out about Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. on the internet. An avid tennis player himself, Nick decided that he wanted to do something to help us collect racquets. So, Nick managed to collect 31 racquets and 22 tennis racquet bags. Nick and his family drove to Long Island, to drop off the racquets. Thanks so much for following through on your devotion to our cause and your love of the game.

Fallon Berger, Seventh Grade Student, Holds Tennis Racquet Drive

Fallon Berger, a seventh grader at Jericho Middle School in Long Island, NY held a tennis racquet drive for a community service project in conjunction with her becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Fallon collected fifty tennis racquets, several of them new, and donated them to our organization. We are so thankful for Fallon's generousity. In addition, since Fallon is also a passionate tennis player, a relative made a generous monetary donation to TRFK, Inc. which allows us to purchase supplies to refurbish the racquets we collect.

TRFK, Inc. Participates in Mitzvah Fair

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. participated in a Mitzvah Fair held at Temple Beth Shalom in Roslyn, NY today. Vendors from various nonprofit community service organizations set up information booths at the fair, so that students at the Hebrew school can become aware of different ways they can become involved. Many students were interested in our organization, and we encourage them to lend a helping hand.

Students in the Highland Falls/Montgomery School District Learn to Play Tennis

Pam Deans sent us these photos of students learning to play tennis with tennis racquets donated by Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. Thanks so much for the photos, it is great to see the kids having fun.

High School Student Grace Molino Collects Tennis Racquets for TRFK, Inc.

Thank you so much, Grace Molino from East Setauket, NY for collecting tennis racquets for us. Grace, a high school student collected seventeen tennis racquets from some of the local facilities where she plays.

TRFK, Inc. Helps Start Tennis Program in Highland Falls, NY

Thirty racquets were donated to Pam Deans who is the coach of the boys and girls varsity tennis teams at James I. O'Neil High School in Highland Falls, NY. Highland Falls is located just outside of West Point. The community has a unique situation since 93% of its land is owned by West Point, which is government property, and hence only 7% of the land in the school district is taxable. The Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery School District always struggles with federal funding issues. The budget was voted down last academic year due to a 13% tax increase, and the tennis program was cut from the school budget. Fortunately, since there were many dedicated team members and parents, fundraising efforts resulted in getting the program reinstated for the year. A subsequent budget did pass, and the tennis program for this upcoming school year was reinstated. Many of the families in the school district are low income and there are approximately 21% of the students that are eligible for free and reduced lunches. So, there are many students who work hard to earn college scholarships to assist them with their college education, through academics as well as through sports programs.

Pam feels that it is important for staff and parents to continue efforts so that athletes can participate and achieve their goals. She is setting up a program for both the elementary and intermediate school, to promote tennis in the physical education classes. She will also be conducting an afterschool program one day a week at the elementary school to introduce students to tennis and to encourage them to participate in a healthy activity. Kudos to Pam for being a student and community advocate!!

Tennis Racquets Donated to Kenya

Twenty racquets were donated to Craig Bell, the tennis director at the Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, TX. Craig coordinated a collection of tennis equipment to send to the Victoria Tennis Programmes and Academy-Kenya. This is a community project, which is run by the Amani Na Upendo Development Group, a community-based charitable organization aimed at promoting sports (mostly tennis) and education among disadvantaged children from poor backgrounds. TRFK, Inc. was originally contacted about this endeavor by Collins Agwanda from Kisumu.

Derek Raskoph Holds Tennis Racquet Drive on Behalf of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc.

Derek Raskoph, from Manhattan, NY continued in his older brother's footsteps, and conducted a tennis racquet drive of his own on Eastern Long Island. Derek collected 57 tennis racquets, and 28 tennis racquet cases for Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. We deeply appreciate Derek's initiative and perserverance. His efforts will bring a smile to many children's faces. We look forward to a continued friendship with Derek and wish him the best of luck as he continues to compete in junior USTA tournaments.

Citations Awarded by the Nassau County Executive

Paige and Zachary Mintz, cofounders of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. received citations from Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, both individually, and on behalf of their nonprofit organization. The citations were awarded in recognition of their tennis racquet donation to the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation. Zachary was present to accept his award, and Emily Mintz, his ten-year old sister accepted on Paige's behalf, as she was attending her freshman orientation at Cornell University.

Racquets Donated to the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. was happy to donate 137 tennis racquets to the Nassau County Parks and Recreation Department for their summer recreation program. The racquets were distributed to participants in the program on Quick Start Tennis Day, which was cosponsored by the Eastern Section of the United States Tennis Association.

Racquets Donated to Children in Jamaica

Sixteen tennis racquets were donated to children in Jamaica via tennis coach Maurice Trail, from Advantage Tennis in Long, Island NY. Maurice visited his homeland Jamaica, and set up a freee skills clinic for some of the children there. He transported the racquets with him on the plane, when he travelled.

Tennis Racquets Reach Gambia

It was great to hear from our friend Kojo, who previously drove to Long Island from Pennsylvania to pick up some tennis racquets for the Gambia Youth Tennis Program sponsored by the GTA (Gambia Tennis Association). Kojo sent us pictures of the presentation ceremony of the racquets to the GTA.

Koho stated that "This donation will go a long way in enhancing the quality of the program and providing the kids quality racquets to compete. It is my hope that this initial donation would begin a long term partnership between the GTA and Racquet for Kids."

The link below is a press release by the GTA which was published in the local papers.

http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/racquet-for-kids-donates-tennis-racquets-to-gta

Fundacion Aportemos Receives Help from Tennis Racquets for Kids

Efren Hernandez, founded Fundacion Aportemos, based in the city of Ensenada, Baja California Mexico. It is an organization which specializes in community work with underprivileged youth in local neighborhoods. The organization focuses on education; teaching kids a working skill or ability, that will enhance their human development and open up a new world of possibilities. The Arts and Crafts Department is well under way, with a well developed pottery workshop and another workshop with the goal of making purses out of recycled materials.

The Sports Department will soon be active, but currently there are two projects unfolding: soccer and tennis. For both activities, the Fundación is planning to use an existing sports complex in the area. The pilot program will take place in the district of El Sauzal. Realizing that the equipment for tennis is much more expensive than soccer, Efrén looked to Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. for some assistance.

We shipped 20 tennis racquets to Efrén at a designated California address. He will be working with groups of 5 to 10 kids at a time ranging from 7 to 15 years old. We applaud Efrén's efforts and we wish him luck on this community project.

Zachary & Paige

Tennis Racquets for Kids Goes International!

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. is so honored to have met Kwadwo Kojo Ofosuhene. Kojo found our website and contacted us about a tennis program he is involved with in Gambia, Africa. This program for underprivileged children is in dire need of tennis racquets in order to get launched. Fortunately, Kojo has a home in Easton, PA and on January 8th, he made the three hour drive to Long Island to pick up racquets for this charitable project. He received 61 racquets of varied sizes and weights, all in superb condition. When Kojo returns to Gambia this month, he will transport the racquets with him.

It is so wonderful to hear about good Samaritans all over the country and the world who recognize the importance of developing tennis programs for children who would otherwise miss out on this valued opportunity. Kojo's endeavor is the reason why we founded our organization. We are extremely gratified to be of help.

Thanks again to everyone throughout the United States who has taken the time to send us racquets to support our charity. You are truly donating for the love of the game, and the benefits are far reaching.

Zach & Paige

Mitzvah Day Features Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc.

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc., a non-profit tennis charity participated in the Temple Beth Sholom Mitzvah Day on December 19th, 2010. The organization was one of twenty six exhibitors featured. The event was well attended by the local community. Organizers of the event encouraged all families and children to take a moment to see how they could help others. Whether it was collecting food, reading to the sick, working with the homeless, adopting a holocaust survivor, or supporting hospitals, there was something there for everyone. The message was simple; there is no good deed that is insignificant. There are many people that need our help, and our friendship. We just need to look.

Mark Zimmerman, the executive director of M'Yad L'Yad, an organization dedicated to helping less fortunate people on Long Island, commented about charity in the organization's newsletter. He quoted Rabbi Reuven Kimelman, who said: "Tzedakah may not save us, but it makes us worth saving."

I feel that this message is very powerful. Charity may not save us, but it makes us worth saving. Charity comes in many forms and we are all capable of bringing some sunshine in the lives of others. In this new year of 2011, there is so much opportunity for all of us to help others. There are so many people hurting at different levels. We need to make a difference! Not because it looks good on a resume, or because we have to do something for community service, but because it is our responsibility to uplift others.

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc., is an example of how an idea by children became a reality. This reality has now brought smiles to hundreds of children throughout the United States.

Rock and Wrap It Up, was also one of the many groups represented. It is a national organization which recovers food and other assets to re-distribute to the poor.


This Mitzvah Day was reminder of the many people that need help and companionship. It provided a platform to see how we can start to positively affect the lives of others. You do not need an organization behind you to help another person, just look around you. Does your elderly neighbor need help with their errands ? Every community has organizations, or religious groups, that need volunteers to help those people less fortunate. We just need to take a moment in our busy lives, and realize there is much work that needs to be done!