Tennis Racquets For Kids is Winding Down

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc. will be closing its doors this Spring. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping less fortunate children experience the game of tennis by providing them with tennis racquets. We will fulfill our promises to various groups, but we will no longer accept requests for donations. This has been an unbelievable eight year journey. Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., was co-founded by Zachary H. Mintz, and Paige J. Mintz, out of their love for the game of tennis and their desire to help all children have an opportunity to experience the game of tennis. Their vision, leadership and effort were indispensable. They have been active with the organization throughout its tenure. Over the last few years, Rachel Mintz has served in various leadership roles. We have brought smiles and happiness to over a thousand children. Less fortunate children were given an opportunity to experience the game of tennis. Our success was made possible by the hundreds of benevolent adults and children from across the United States who donated their used tennis racquets to our organization. We are especially grateful to the individual children who collected some new, as well as used tennis racquets, as part of school or church drives, or as part of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects. We are also grateful to the individual children who donated their own racquets. The cost of running the organization became too great. This included the cost and time in re-stringing and regripping the racquets and shipping them around the country. We were never able to find a corporate sponsor and depended on individuals who donated their time. This was an organization for children who would not have had an opportunity to experience the game of tennis. Tennis Racquets for Kids was enthusiastically embraced by children and adults from across the United States, to bring happiness to others! For that we are grateful, and our mission was accomplished. We will never forget the hugs and the smiles. We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for the pictures and notes sent to us from families, schools and organizations who received tennis racquets. We would suggest that anyone with racquets to donate contact nearby schools, charter schools, local day camps, summer park programs or their local USTA chapter. There are thousands of children in this country who would love to have an opportunity to experience the game of tennis. Please do not forget them and carry on the spirit of giving. We thank all of you for donating For The Love of the Game!!! Tennis Racquets For Kids Inc.

Tennis Racquets for Kids Recieves Citation

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., has received a 2014 citation from Nassau County Executive, Edward P. Mangano. Co-Founder Zachary Mintz, Co-Founder Paige Mintz, and Vice President Rachel Mintz each received their own citation which stated: "You have worked diligently on behalf of causes and ideals which uphold the principles of human decency, and through the years, you have demononstrated a selfless commitment to the County of Nassau and its residents that warrants attention and gratitude." Over 100 tennis racquets and 6 cases of new balls were donated to the Nassau County Parks and Recreation Department to support the summer camp program. Vice President, Rachel Mintz, created a new division of the charity to suppport the scholarship campers. These children received new tennis racquets so they could learn the game of tennis. Co-President Paige Mintz, "we are also happy to continue to provide tennis racqets and support the Alliance Junior Tennis Development Program, a non-profit organization in Roosevelt, New York." Ms. Emily Moore is the founder and executive director of the program which gives children ages 4-18 an opportunity to experience tennis. These are children without racquets or lessons who want to participate in a camp and learn tennis and develop community pride. When Ms. Moore and her campers received the racquets, she told us: "Tennis Racquets for Kids, never forgets us and gives these children a chance to learn the game." When asked what was special about the donation program, Rachel answered," the smiles,the hugs and the surprise when the kids were told that they could keep the racquets. It was a heart warming experience and a special day. Co- Founders of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Zachary and Paige Mintz, continue to try to find support for the non-profit organization. Co-President Zachary Mintz is always optimistic and stated,"we have not given up on industry and hope that one day Babolat, Wilson, Head, Yonex, Prince, Penn or Nike, and others will contribute to the charity." Until that day, Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., has been successful due to individuals who will donate for the Love of the Game.

2013 Year in Review: Tennis Racquets for Kids

Tennis is a great activity for families and individuals. It is a great way to bring people of all skill levels together. You need a net,balls and a tennis racquet. Sounds simple, but it's not. Tennis racquets are expensive, and indoor court rates are prohibitive. It would be great if the weather was perfect throughout the year for all of us. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen and we can't always take advantage of the opportunity to use outdoor public courts. Some of us learned to play on park courts with metal nets. There was no topspin or slicing strategy, the ball changed direction based on the cracks in the asphalt. Yet we continued to love the game. Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., is dedicated to providing all children with the opportunity to experience the game we love. Our success would not be possible without the help of individuals across the country who share this love. We receive racquets from people, especially children, from all parts of the United States. Sometimes it's a single racquet or a few racquets; sometimes a note is included saying how much joy the racquets brought their owners and how meaningful it is to them to continue channeling the racquets into the hands of other children. All tennis racquet donations are greatly appreciated. We are living in challenging economic times and what may be a weathered racquet to someone, is an opportunity for a child to start a tennis experience. We are a non-profit organization that is also challenged by the same economic times, and have lost our stringers who donated their time and materials to rejunvenate the donated racquets. Used Babolat, Wilson, Head, Prince, and Yonex,racquets represent a way to experience the game of tennis. Tennis Racquets for Kids is supported by regular people who play and enjoy the game and want to give others that same opportunity. Our sole focus is helping those less fortunate children experience the game of tennis. Throughout 2013, we have had many children stand up and want to make a difference by collecting tennis racquets as part of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah,church, or school projects to help others. S.R.collected over 50 racquets as a part of his Bar Mitzvah and C.W. collected approximately 275 racquets as part of her Bat Mitzvah project. J.F.,an avid junior tennis player, hosted a drive in New York City and drove a carload of tennis racquets out to our office in Long Island.These are a few examples of the generosity we have experienced. We survive with the help of the individual who will donate a single racquet to us. We received a financial donation from a high school tennis team in St. Louis which went to help defer our costs of re-gripping,re-stringing, and postage. This year we supported various schools that wanted to start tennis programs but the children could not afford to buy racquets. We supported after school programs including those dedicated to fighting childhood by promoting tennis as a weight- loss activity. Other programs supported were located in California, Michigan, Arizona, and New York. Various individual families also received racquets. Our goal remains helping less fortunate children experience the game of tennis. We look forward to the New Year and ask for your continued support to donate for the love of the game!

Gambia Tennis Association Flourishes with Help from Tennis Racquets for Kids

In 2011, Tennis Racquets for Kids helped support a tennis youth program in Gambia. Mr.Ofosuhene, a coordinator of the program has once again asked for our assistance. "Tennis Racquets for Kids was a tremendous help in getting the children the tennis racquets needed to facilitate the program. Through the generous donation of tennis racquets the program has expanded tremendously." Mr. Ofosuhene travels between Gambia and the United States and personally picked up the racquets and transported them to Gambia. We are very happy to continue to support this organization that has been able to introduce tennis,and sportsmanship to children who would not have had a chance to experience the game of tennis. We are impressed with the enthusiasm of the children and the dedication by the Gambia Tennis Association to support the children.

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.

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!!

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!

Tennis Racquets For Kids Brings Smiles to Hundreds of Children

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc., is a non-profit tennis charity dedicated to giving ALL children an opportunity to experience the game of tennis. What started out as the idea of two high school freshman, Zachary & Paige Mintz, has now turned into an organization which reaches children across the United States.



On July 22, 2010, over 200 tennis racquets were donated to the children of Roosevelt, New York and the Nassau County Parks Department. Tennis Racquets for Kids, an independent organization, held a clinic at Centennial Park in Roosevelt, as part of the USTA Quick Start Tennis Day.

Emily Moore, a long time professional tennis coach, teacher and founder of Alliance Junior Tennis applauded the efforts of Tennis Racquets For Kids, stating: " this is the type of organization I have been waiting for. A selfless group of kids wanting to give something to others. Role models for the kids in this neighborhood." Ms Moore who is known nationally and internationally asked Tennis Racquets for Kids to continue to support children in need and invited the organization to return to the area and speak to the children in her school, as well as to work with her in future international endeavors to brighten the lives of children.

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., has helped start tennis programs in various schools throughout the United States, held clinics and donated racquets to inner city park programs, as well as provide racquets for individual families in need. The organization appreciates the support of individual people throughout the United States who have taken a minute to give others an opportunity to experience the game of tennis by donating their old racquets or collecting racquets for the organization through various drives. Many children have embraced the organization and have helped make it a huge success. Tennis Racquets for Kids takes these used racquets and restrings & re-grips them . We also appreciate the help of the United States Professional Tennis Assocaition, (USPTA), who has helped the organization.

Zachary Mintz, feels that "the concept of helping others and paying it forward is a powerful motivator." When asked by a local photographer, why do you do this, Paige Mintz answered, that the hugs and smiles are worth it. Just look at how happy those kids are." Everbody should donate for the Love of the Game!

Nassau County Presents Award to Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc.

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., a non profit tennis charity was awarded two citations from Nassau County. Zachary and Paige Mintz, co-founders of the organization accepted the honors.

The first citation acknowledged their individual work, " making significant enhancements to the region of Nassau County and the betterment of its residents." The second citation was awarded to the organization, " for working diligently to uphold the principles of human decency, and demonstrating through the year, a selfless commitment to Nassau County and its residents."

Nassau County Parks Commissioner Jose Lopez presented the awards, on behalf of Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, during a ceremony at the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums in Eisenhower Park.

Last summer, Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., participated in The Healthy Nassau Quick Start Tennis Day, 2009. This program was also sponsored by the USTA. Zachary and Paige Mintz conducted a tennis clinic and donated over 150 tennis racquets to the children from local camps and day care centers. The majority of these children never had a tennis lesson or anyone to teach them the game. The numerous hugs, smiles and thank yous, made the event even more special.

Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc., collects new and used tennis racquets throughout the year and redistributes them to children in need. This organization has helped many school programs, individual families and camps. Donate for the Love of the Game!!!

Sportime Embraces Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc.

Sportime is the New York leader in sports and fitness. It features 14 clubs throughout Long Island, New York City, Randall's Island, Westchester, and the Capital Region upstate. Sportime offers numerous tennis programs for adults, juniors, and elite training at its tennis facilities. Sportime's philosophy of "Fitness for Life," matches the goals of Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. Every child should have the opportunity to experience the game of tennis and to have fun.

Sportime has generously produced tennis racquet collection boxes and will place these boxes in each of its facilities. The used tennis racquets are picked up by the non-profit tennis charity, Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. These racquets are then distributed to schools, organizations, and individuals in need.

Zachary and Paige Mintz, co-founders of the tennis charity, feel that this collaboration will make even more people aware of the need to help underprivileged children. Sportime has helped to create another visible forum which reminds people that they can help. Many of us have old racquets in the garage, basement, or shed. Junior players especially, change their racquets as they grow. These old racquets should not be disregarded. They hold worth for someone else. Recycling these racquets also prevents further accumulations at landfill sites.

One way that the organization gives out the racquets it has collected, is through free tennis clinics at community parks in locations where residents may not be able to afford to buy tennis racquets for their children.

We are grateful to Sportime and all of its facilities for helping to make dreams possible. We encourage people to "pay it forward" and donate for the Love of the Game!!

Thanksgiving is Special for Tennis Racquets For Kids

Thanksgiving is the time to take a moment and appreciate the things we have. It is a time for families to get together and enjoy each others company. It is a time when Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., can appreciate the selflessness of others and the moments of smiles and hugs from the children we have helped.

We would like to thank all of the people who have helped to make our tennis charity successful. Thank you to the children who have collected racquets as part of Mitzvah projects and church drives. Thank you to the individuals who have taken time out of their busy lives to find old racquets in their homes and donate them, and thank you to the various tennis clubs who have graciously set up our collection boxes. These actions have made us a larger community dedicated to helping others.

We have used these racquets to bring smiles to so many children. Whether the racquet is Prince, Head, Wilson, or Babolat really does not matter to the children. It is a tennis racquet, special in its own way, that will now allow these children to play a game that want to explore. Many of the racquets we receive require some revitalization. The charity has used their own string and grip, as well as their personal time, to restring and grip many of these racquets so they can play like new. The kids are excited to engage in revamping these racquets for others.

Over the last year, we have donated hundreds of racquets to underprivileged children throughout the United States. We have helped start school programs in Rochester, Florida, and Queens. We have worked directly with the Nassau Parks Department and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and conducted clinics for hundreds of children. After one such clinic, two 10 year old girls went to return their racquets, They thanked us for letting them use the racquets for the clinic. When they were told that the racquets were theirs to keep, they immediately screamed for joy and hugged us, telling us Christmas came early. These smiles and hugs are priceless and well worth the hours of collecting racquets, restringing and delivering them.

We have helped individual families as well. This past summer we received a touching request from a mother of twins who was down on her luck. She wanted her kids to participate in a city parks program but could not afford to purchase racquets. She wanted them to experience the game of tennis, and not disappoint them by having them watch outside the courts all summer. We were able to help and we still remain in their prayers.

As we move ahead with our plans for next year, we are looking forward to new relationships and expansion with industry. We truly appreciate all of the individuals of have supported our tennis charity and have really helped make a small difference in the lives of many. You are the backbone of our charity. Thank you for sharing our beliefs and "pay it forward" for the Love of the Game!" We look forward to making more friends. Happy Holidays to all!

Bionic Tennis Gloves Save the Day

Tennis is a sport played all year round in many different conditions. From playing in the extreme heat of Florida and Texas during the summer, to playing outdoors in New York, players must adapt. As a competetive tennis player, traveling to these various tournaments and associated climates, I have had to deal with blisters, inability to maintain a good feel for the racquets in the cold and maintaining a good grip in the heat.

The Bionic Tennis glove was designed by Dr. Jim Kleinert, an orthopedic surgeon who is a hand specialist. Using his knowledge of human anatomy and the movement of the hand, he designed a glove that would fit naturally and help some of the challenges faced by tennis players of all levels of skill. I have been using the Bionic Tennis Glove for the last two months. I started wearing the gloves to help a blister heal on my hand. For years I used tape and sprays that would coat my hand but nothing worked. The tape would fall off and the sprays would not reduce the friction. I was unable to maintain a good grip on my racquet, the blisters never healed, and the pain during play continued.

The Bionic Tennis Glove not only allowed the blister to heal, but improved my game. I was able to play with the blisters. I found that the glove gave me a better grip on my racquet with more feel. I noticed that in the cold weather I had better control of my shots and in the hot weather the racquet did not slip. The gloves fit well and were very comfortable. They did not make my hand feel hot and there was no friction.

The company states that the gloves were designed with a pre-rotated finger design which encourages natural closure of the hand. There are anatomical relief pads which eliminate the friction which leads to callus and blister formation. This feature clearly helped me.

Tennis Racquets For Kids Inc., a tennis charity, highly recommends this glove for anyone who plays tennis. It provided a better grip and feel in the cold weather and as well as the heat. I have not had any more blisters and it allowed my original blisters to heal. This is a great piece of equipment which should be added to your tennis bag.

Tennis Racquets For Kids Brings Smiles to Queens

Tennis Racquets for Kids teamed up with the City Parks Foundation (CPF) on August 17th, 2009, to bring tennis to Corona Park in Flushing Meadow. The non profit tennis charity donated close to 100 racquets to kids from age 8 to 15. A tennis clinic was also conducted by Tennis Racquets for Kids, featuring Zachary Mintz, Paige Mintz, and Michael Lem. Zachary and Michael spoke to to the kids before the clinic began explaining to them that these racquets are an opportunity for them to learn and play the game of tennis, but also represent a responsibilty for them to pass these racquets on to others when they outgrow them, and give other children the same opportunity.The racquets and clinic were greatly appreciated by the children and their families. The free racquets were a surprise and acknowledged with hugs, smiles and high fives! By collecting used tennis racquets," recycling them", Tennis Racquets for Kids has brought smiles to hundreds of kids this summer. Many are dreaming about one day playing in the US Open in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.



The City Parks Foundation of New York is an excellent partner sharing the same ideals and goals as Tennis Racquets for Kids. It is the only independent, non profit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Their programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year. We are honored to be working with this organization and are planning more activities in the future.



We are still collecting racquets are various donation sites and appreciate those people who have sent us racquets directly. The racquets in your basement or garage are opportunity to bring a small amout of happiness to others. Whether you have Prince, Wilson,Babolat, Head, or Yonex tennis racquets the same smiles and hugs from the kids receiving them will apply. Donate for the LOVE of the Game!!

Tennis Racquets for Kids Brings Smiles to Roosevelt

On July 22, 2009, Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc, collaborated with Nassau County and the USTA to introduce tennis to various parks throughout Nassau County. This initiative was part of the Quick Start Tennis Program.

Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., a non profit organization, donated over 150 tennis racquets to children for this program. The majority of the racquets were donated to children at Centennial Park in Roosevelt, New York. While only 40 children were expected to attend, well over 130 children came to the program. The tennis charity was prepared for extra attendance, but still had go back to their storage facility to accommodate the super turnout.

Zachary and Paige Mintz founders of the organization, led the program at Centennial Park. Not only did they distribute racquets but put on a clinic for two hours. During the clinic they taught the children strokes and introduced the children to the game of tennis. The children ranged in age from 5 to 15 years and most had never played tennis. Excitement filled the morning as many children realized they could hit balls back against these two USTA players.

At the end of the clinic, two young girls approached Paige and Zachary. They said, "thank you for letting us use the racquets" and gave them back. You could not imagine the smiles and hugs when these two girls were told that these racquets were now theirs. It did not matter whether these racquets were Head, Wilson, Babolat or Prince. They were a gift to children who really appreciated the opportunity to experience the game of tennis.

Emily Moore, founder and director of Alliance Junior Tennis, had two groups in attendance. " I have been involved in tennis for over 40 years and have never found an organization like this. Tennis Racquets For Kids is exactly the type of organization we need; kids giving back to kids; caring and giving all kids a chance to play tennis by supplying them with racquets and encouragement."

Tennis Racquets for Kids has been invited back to Centennial Park to continue their mission to bring the game of tennis to all children.

Donations of used racquets can be sent to Tennis Racquets for Kids Inc., or brought to convenient drop off locations.