Sixteen year old Jesse (JT) Gold from Manalapan has a passion for playing soccer. He has been playing it practically all his life. Jesse is a junior at Freehold Township High School where he plays center mid field on the Varsity Soccer team. He also plays soccer for Princeton Soccer Academy. A few weeks ago he went to purchase some new soccer cleats because he grew out of his old ones. He didn’t want to just throw them in the trash because they were still in relatively good condition.
Suddenly an idea came to him. He realized that there were so many kids out there that didn’t have the means to purchase new cleats, so for the past few weeks he did a little research to find a place or an organization where he could donate soccer equipment.
He came across a non-profit organization called “Raw Haiti,” and decided to partner with them because they help youths in one of the most dangerous and impoverished communities in Haiti, Cite Soleil.
RAW Haiti is a registered 501c3, Massachusetts-based, non-profit organization, established in 2012. RAW Haiti includes U.S. and Haiti-based team members. The goal of RAW Haiti team is to help Haitian youth to build competencies necessary to change the long-standing cycles of poverty (and corruption) that have undermined the wellbeing and health of people in Haiti for generations.
A broad range of supports are needed to address the multi-systemic issues in Haiti. Direct work with youth is a key aspect of RAW Haiti. Their Youth Development Coaches provide after school programs and activities. They target services for high-risk youth living in high-risk areas. They are able to go into the problem areas because the RAW Haiti team is comprised of community members there. For more information about this organization and how to donate, go to: https://rawhaiti.org/
Within the next few months, Jesse will be collecting soccer related items and sending them directly to the Raw Haiti Soccer Program which is called, “New Generations Recreation.” These donations help supply underprivileged children with proper soccer equipment. Items that he is collecting include:
Soccer cleats (indoor and outdoor), Soccer balls, Soccer bags, Soccer uniforms, Training equipment, Soccer socks, Shin-guards
Also, any monetary donations would be greatly appreciated as it will go toward the expense of shipping the items and will also be given directly to the soccer program in Haiti.
If you have items that you would like to donate, please contact Jesse (JT) at: jtgold66@yahoo.com or text him at: 732-956-6422 and he will arrange for a pick up.