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!

Donations Made to Begin Tennis Program at Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California

TRFK Inc. has just donated 15 tennis racquets to Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California to help start a boy's tennis team. Audrey Carneiro, a parent, who volunteers her time with the school, contacted our organization. Audrey's own children play other sports, but she is a tennis player and is passionate about the sport. It is wonderful to hear about people willling to volunteer their personal time to ensure that others can experience life to the fullest. Thank you for reaching out to us and we look forward to hearing about the team's progress.

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.