Kudos to Brett!

This past summer we were fortunate enough to make a new friend. We received correspondence from Brett Raskopf; a middle school student who lives in Manhattan, and plays junior USTA tournaments. He noticed our racquet collection bin at Westhampton Beach Tennis where he was participating in a tournament. Brett decided that he wanted to help; he contacted us, and initiated a racquet drive of his own for our organization. Brett collected over 70 racquets, which he delivered to us, and obtained three more permanent drop off sites in the Hamptons area, which are now included in our "drop off locations" link. We enjoyed meeting Brett and his family and look forward to a continued working relationship.

Citations Awarded by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has recognized Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. for its efforts to support the newly formed Nassau County Summer Recreation Program. Tennis Racquets for Kids, Inc. was awarded its second citation for donating over 200 racquets to the program, which includes locations at four Nassau County Parks: Wantagh, Nickerson Beach, Cantiague, and Christopher Morley. Now, tennis instruction will be a part of the program, which runs for six weeks throughout the summer at a nominal fee for participation. Zach and Paige would like to thank Glaceau for collaborating with them through its generous donation of 250 bottles of Vitamin Water Zero, which were distributed to children enrolled in the recreation program.

In addition, Zachary and Paige Mintz were also awarded individual citations by Mr. Mangano for donating their time and additional tennis racquets on July 22, 2010 on the occasion of Quick Start Tennis Day. This was the second year that Zach and Paige taught tennis basics to beginning players at Centennial Park, in Roosevelt, Long Island. They had a great time working with the children.

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.