General | 12/14/2020 11:13:00 AM
Itta Bena, Miss. – Mississippi Valley State University Athletics has partnered with Academy Sports + Outdoors to create a "Curbside Surprise" for the Boys & Girls Club Itta Bena by donating $1500 to the organization. On Thursday, December 3rd., representatives from both organizations along with Dr. Mary Crump from the MVSU Jackson-Hinds Alumni Chapter, joined Academy Store Director Keelan Wright and staff for an afternoon filled with excitement for the group.
"Mississippi Valley State University is a proud member of the Itta Bena Community and we thought this would be an awesome surprise to present this gift to our local Boys and Girls Club." We are honored to partner with the Academy Sports & Outdoors to support our area youth and bring good cheer to such a deserving group. We would like to thank the Academy of Sports & Outdoors for their commitment to the Southwestern Athletic Conference and The Valley." said Dianthia Ford-Kee Director of Athletics.
Originally the Club was given $1000 to select for their wish list on line for their special day, but upon delivery of the items, Store Director Keelan Wright surprised the group with an additional $500 gift card.
"I was too excited; I couldn't think. I finally said to myself don't cry because I have some of my teens here," said Boys & Girls Club Unit Director Linda Toy. "It definitely came at a much needed time. I am really grateful and appreciative. I can't stress enough the affect that the money will have on the club, we are excited that Christmas has come to the club and to see the teens' faces and the conversation we encounter going and coming back was a dream come true to our club. The pandemic has really hurt our community and the club more than anything because our community don't have anything to give back. The impact was phenomenal to us."
The Itta Bena Club has served hundreds of Leflore County youth since its inception. It is a wonderful example of a Club operating in "the Boys & Girls Clubs' Way". Club members participate in the 5 Core Program Areas, beginning each day by reciting the BGCA Code in Assembly, and moving into Snacks and Power Hour before breaking off into various SMART Kids Programs, Money Matters, and sponsor other programs like Cal Ripken's Badges for Baseball, and the Special Olympics of Mississippi. .
Carolyn Washington, mother of club members Ciara and Jullissa Washington stated, "We had the best experience today at Academy. The customer service was awesome even before the employees knew who we were or why we were there. I give them 💯! On a scale of 1 to 10, I give a 20. The best experience I've had in a long time."
What did the Club Members say about their experience?
"My experience today was awesome. It was like being in a candy store and trying to make up your mind. My most favorite experience was picking out games for the club and the manager said get it I know you will enjoy it, and we can't wait to tell the other members about our experience and the new fun games we have. Thank you again," stated Deara People, club member.
Jullissa Washington said, "Today was an excellent day for me. Wow! I had fun walking through the store picking out stuff I will be using when I go back to the club and I thank you for everything.
"Today was an excited day for me to walk through the store to help pick out item that are very much needed at the boys and girls club. I can't wait until we go back, so we can use them," stated Ciara Washington
About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is one of the leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailers in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 259 stores across 16 contiguous states, primarily in the southern United States. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, footwear and sports & recreation through both leading national brands and a portfolio of 17 private label brands, which go well beyond traditional sporting goods and apparel offerings.
About SWAC/Academy Sports + Outdoor Section
The partnership between Academy Sports + Outdoors and the Southwestern Athletic Conference focuses on establishing meaningful community initiatives within the SWAC footprint. Specifically, these initiatives will look to activate and amplify grassroots efforts, such as youth outreach and mentoring programs that is inclusive of student-athletes and administrators from across the conference.
From left to right: Ms. Linda Toy, Unit Director Boys & Girls Club; Keelan Wright, Academy Sports & Outdoors Store Director; Carolyn Washington, parent; Deara People, student; Jamareia Blackmon, Academy Sports & Outdoors Store Associate; Jullissa Washington, student; Ciara Washington, student; Renia Edwards, MVSU Athletics Sr. Associate AD/SWA; Lila Grooms, MVSU Athletics Assistant AD Academic Services
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