While toys and holiday presents are being donated and distributed to young children throughout Greater Richmond – the Salvation Army noted that there was a lack of gifts for boys and girls ages 10 to 16. Holiday Cheer & Gear was created in 2007 and over the years, hundreds of sports “gear” items have been collected.

Recently, ESPN Richmond 99.5 FM, 102.7 FM and 950 AM broadcast live from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Bob Black and Greg Burton for an all-day event to collect gear and donations.

“This is the most important broadcast we do all year because it impacts so many young people,” said Burton, creator of Cheer & Gear. “By giving the gift of sport to young boys & girls throughout Richmond, we are putting them on a path towards an active, healthy life.”

The Salvation Army reported that “5+ car loads of basketballs, footballs and other sports gear” were donated from the efforts.

Want to help? ESPN Richmond invites you to make the holidays brighter for these children. Holiday Cheer & Gear accepts new, unwrapped sporting goods, equipment and gear, including basketballs, soccer balls, football, volleyballs, skateboards, baseballs, baseball bats & gloves, as well as tennis balls.