What's new with our favorite fitness non-profit.
Operation FitKids (OFK), a program supported by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and fitness of America's youth.
Through the use of recycled commercial fitness equipment, Operation FitKids provides fitness facilities to communities in need. Working with local high schools, organizations and youth groups, Operation FitKids creates fitness centers, at minimal cost, to provide adolescents with greater access to comprehensive physical fitness programs.
New Facilities San Diego's Madison High School students will be flexing their physical and intellectual muscles with the donation of "recycled" commercial exercise equipment from Operation FitKids.
This month, Denver's West High School will be the first school in Colorado to receive a donation of strength and cardio equipment from Operation FitKids, giving students an extra incentive to shape up over the holidays.
Operation FitKids will be holding grand openings for new facilities in San Diego at Mount Miguel and Clairemont High School and the Pollinsky Children's Center. There will also be upcoming facility openings in Atlanta and Chicago.
Operation FitKids Wish List Donating money isn't the only ways to contribute to Operation FitKids.
Promo Items: Logo T-shirts and miscellaneous accessory items (can be co-branded) to be given away at grand openings/media/trade show events.
Trucking/Installation: Transportation/trucking of equipment; storage sites in major regions or cities to hold equipment until site is ready; repairing/refurbishing labor costs for equipment.
Products for Program Enhancement: Fitness video tapes; upbeat music CDs and cassettes; flooring (seconds OK); mats for underneath equipment; group fitness equipment; donated refurbished/new strength and aerobic equipment; computers, printers, exercise software.
Marketing/Advertising: Creation of advertisement; complimentary ad space in publications/Internet sites; sponsorship company to find sponsors.
Contributors Special thanks to the companies that have supported Operation FitKids, either with in-kind or with financial assistance: American Council on Exercise (ACE), The Step Company, Sporting Goods Manufacturers of America (SGMA), Club Industry Trade Show, Rubber Products Inc., and Glenn Colarossi, operator/owner of The Stamford Athletic Club and AgeFit.
How to Get Involved To find out how you can get involved with Operation FitKids, or to learn more about how to apply for an Operation FitKids facility in your area, contact: DeeDee Kovacevich, executive director, Operation FitKids, 5820 Oberlin Drive, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92121-3787; (858) 535-8227, ext. 707; (800) 825-3636, ext. 707; fax: (858) 535-1778; [email protected]; www.operationfitkids.org