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On March 16, 2006, Center for Companies That Care launched Spring Back to Life™, a national initiative to provide new recreation, athletic and playground equipment to selected Mississippi schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Companies and employees donated funds or hard goods to replace the destroyed athletic equipment.
Athletic Equipment
Schools that were seriously damaged or devastated by Hurricane Katrina are in need of gym, playground, and sporting equipment. The list includes balls, bats, tumbling mats, jungle gyms, jump ropes, nets, hoops, uniforms, etc. You name it, they either lost it completely or have a need.
The schools in Mississippi for which the athletic equipment is being purchased have specified exactly what they need, down to the model and SKU number. This equipment is manufactured specifically for use by school children. In most cases, it is not the same equipment that someone would purchase for home use.
The athletic equipment the schools need includes:
| Baseball Equipment |
| Balls | (33) |
| Bases | (unlimited) |
| Bats | (4) |
| Batting Nets | (5) |
| Caps | (35) |
| Gloves | (6) |
| Jerseys | (105) |
| Pants | (53) |
| Pitching Machine | (1) |
| Scorebook | (1) |
| Socks | (30) |
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| Basketball Equipment |
| Basketballs | (14) |
| Hoops | (4) |
| Jerseys | (50) |
| Shorts | (50) |
| Uniforms (Girls) | (24) |
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| Football Equipment |
| 7 man sled | (1) |
| Helmets | (32) |
| Jerseys | (20) |
| Pants | (60) |
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| Other Equipment |
| Cones | (TBD) |
| Fan | (1) |
| Hula Hoops | (10) |
| Jump Ropes | (Xx) |
| Lockers | (TBD) |
| Playground Balls | (12) |
| Stadium Lockers | (TBD) |
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| Soccer Equipment |
| Balls | (6) |
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| Volleyball Equipment |
| Balls | (18) |
| Knee Pads | (5) |
| Nets | (2) |
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| Weight Equipment |
| Power Rack | (1) |
| Weight Set | (1) |
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| Tennis Equipment |
| Balls | (unlimited) |
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Participation in Spring Back to Life
Employers may participate in Spring Back to Life by facilitating donations of money or donations of hard goods. Fundraisers and employer matching contributions are the most effective way to raise money.
Alternatively, employers may communicate specific items needed by the schools and place collection boxes around the workplace for employee donation of new hard goods. Employers will be responsible for shipping the collected hard goods to the Mississippi schools. Center for Companies That Care will provide shipping information for each school.
Individuals may participate in Spring Back to Life independent of an employer initiative.
Fundraisers
The most effective way to raise money to purchase athletic equipment for the Mississippi schools is through fundraisers at work. There are many simple, enjoyable fundraisers that are quite effective at producing results. Here are a few examples.
- Bake Sale — employees bake and sell the baked goods. The proceeds are then donated to the Spring Back to Life Giving Store.
- Raffle — the employer purchases a great raffle prize (like an iPod or theatre tickets). Employees purchase raffle tickets and the proceeds go to athletic equipment purchases at the Giving Store.
- Internal auction — employees donate auction items and then bid on the items. Proceeds go to...you've got it by now.
- Jeans/Casual Day — employees purchase the right to wear jeans to work one day.
And then there are the more creative fundraisers if your company really gets into it. Some of the plans we've heard for Spring Back to Life include:
- Athletic events at work including a putting green, free throws into a basketball net, and fitness center workouts
- Shadow Days — employees select someone they'd like to shadow at work for a day to learn more about their job and pay for the privilege
- Meeting Free Day — employees purchase the right to say "no" to all meeting invitations on a particular day
Remember: There is something the Mississippi schools need at every price point, no matter how much money is collected through employee fundraisers.
Donation of New Hard Goods
Some of the requested athletic equipment needed does not require a specific brand and SKU number. An organization (or YOU) can collect items. All donated items must be new and shipped directly to the schools.
The following items have been requested by the schools participating in Spring Back to Life. Any brand of the items below may be donated, but the items must be new.
Hard Goods that May Be Donated
- Cones (9" and 12")
- Tennis Balls
- Beaded 9 foot segmented jump rope
- Throw down Base Sets
Employer Matching Contributions
One way to motivate employees to participate in a fundraiser is to let them know their funds will be matched by the employer (up to a specified limit). Consider adding an employer donation to the funds raised by employees.
Individual Participation
Individuals may participate in Spring Back to Life by making a monetary contribution for a specific amount, via credit card, that will go toward purchasing equipment still needed at the conclusion of Spring Back to Life.
Alternatively, individuals may send a check directly to Center for Companies That Care. The full amount of the check will be applied to the cost of athletic equipment.
| Make checks payable to: | Center for Companies That Care/Spring Back to Life |
| And mail them to: |
500 N. Dearborn St. 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60610
Attn: Spring Back to Life |
Donations
By making a donation to Spring Back to Life the Center for Companies That Care will apply the full donation to equipment that has not yet been purchased by other contributors. The items selected by Center for Companies That Care will then be shipped directly to the schools.
You may also send a check for the donation amount to Center for Companies That Care — like the credit card purchase of a specific dollar amount of athletic equipment, when Center for Companies That Care receives a specified donation, we will apply the full donation toward items that have not yet been purchased. The items selected by Center for Companies That Care will then be shipped directly to the schools.
Make checks payable to:
Center for Companies That Care/Spring Back to Life
500 N. Dearborn St. 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60610
Attn: Spring Back to Life
With each purchase through the Giving Store, there will also be an opportunity to make a separate donation to Center for Companies That Care.
Cost of the Athletic Equipment
The cost of the athletic equipment covered in the Spring Back to Life initiative begins as low as $2.00 and ranges up to $8,800 for individual items. Therefore, there is likely to be something for every-sized contribution.
Individual Items
Items under $100
Beaded 9 foot segmented jump rope - $2.00
Hula Hoops - $2.95
Playground balls 8.5" - $3.25
Black stirrups practice socks - $3.75
The Ultimate scorebook (100 games) - $8.95
Rubber soccer balls size #4 - $8.95
Sportime Max Basketballs - $9.95
Throw down base set - $9.95
Wilson matpoint tennis balls - $12.50
9" cones - $14.00
Baseball caps - $15.95
Wilson - Indoor/Outdoor basketball - $18
Mikasa 210 synthetic volleyball - $24.00
12" cones - $28.00
SSK Wood Fungo bat in red - $29.95
Russell Adult game jerseys in Maroon - $31.95
Baden All Weather Practice balls - $34.00
Adult game pants in maroon - $35.95
Riddell Football Varsity game pants - $39.95
Baseball pants - $40.00
L Screen Nets - $47.00
Promesch navy blue nylon short sleeve jerseys - $48.00
Wilson A1010 PROSST NFHS approved game ball - $49.95
Infielder's Glove - $59.00
Outfielder's Glove - $59.00
White & blue sleeveless Devils jersey - $69.00
White short sleeve Baseball Pro Nylon Jersey (Devils) - $70.00
Girls Basketball uniform - $97.50
Items between $100 - $250
Weekender sport volleyball net system - $129.00
Riddell Revolution Football Helmets - $150.00
Wilson A2403 Catchers Mitt - $165.00
Industrial fan for their gym - $197.00
Items between $250 - $500
Batting dome net - $350.00
Stadium locker - $385.00
Items over $1000
300lb Olympic Weight Set w/1200lb bar -$1,510.00
JUGS M100 pitching machine - $2,110.00
7 man varsity sled - $3,219.65
Power rack - $8,830
Athletic Equipment Packages
The following are examples of athletic equipment packages that can be purchased with your donation:
$50 Soccer Package
Soccer equipment for one school
$50 Basketball Package
Basketball equipment for one school
$100 Volleyball Package
Volleyballs for one school
$250 Baseball Player Package
Baseball Equipment for one player
$4000 School Package
All equipment for one school
$5000 District Package
All equipment for one school district
$9000 County Package
All equipment for one county
$10,000 Baseball Package
All baseball equipment for one county
$15,000 All Baseball Package
All baseball equipment
$25,000 County Package
All equipment for one county
Confirmation of Donations
Employers will receive confirmation of their donations from the schools that receive the donations.
Donations to Center for Companies That Care
The purchase price for each item of athletic equipment fully supports Spring Back to Life. The Center for Companies That Care does not deduct any administrative costs and therefore does not earn any income from sponsoring this initiative.
For those who choose to, there is an opportunity to make a separate donation to Center for Companies That Care through the Giving Store. This donation will help Center for Companies That Care continue its work enabling the well-being of employees and communities. Spring Back to Life is an example of the many community initiatives sponsored by Center for Companies That Care, a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization.
Resources To Help Launch Spring Back to Life
The Spring Back to Life Starter Kit has all the tools you'll need to implement Spring Back to Life, the 2006 Companies That Care Day national initiative.
Spring Back to Life™ Starter Kit
Spring Back to Life is a national initiative to provide new recreation, athletic, and playground equipment to select Mississippi schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
The Spring Back to Life Starter Kit will take you well down the path to implementing Spring Back to Life at your organization. It includes:
- Useful information about Center for Companies That Care, including:
- An overview/fact sheet about Companies That Care
- The 10 Characteristics of Companies That Care
- Background on Companies That Care Day, including a description of:
- Why we celebrate the Day
- What we celebrate on the Day
- Who should participate in the Day
- Ideas and sample Spring Back to Life materials:
- An overview of Spring Back to Life
- Possible funding alternatives
- Implementation guidelines, including an event timeline
- Sample CEO/senior management talking points about Companies That Care Day and Spring Back to Life
- Sample employee e-mail announcements and follow-up
- Sample press release for local media about your organization's participation in Spring Back to Life
- 15 ideas to spark your fund-raising efforts
- Frequently asked questions
- Form to submit a summary of your organization's Companies That Care Day activities/results
The cost of the Spring Back to Life Starter Kit is $50 plus shipping. Companies That Care Day Sponsors receive a free Spring Back to Life Starter Kit. You may order a starter kit by contacting marcikoblenz@companies-that-care.org.
Promotional Items
Companies That Care also offers a variety of promotional items in support of Spring Back to Life. These items are perfect for customizing with your logo and distributing to employees in honor of their participation in Spring Back to Life and Companies That Care Day.
Spring Back to Life promotional items include:
- Basketballs
- Chocolate lollipops
- Frisbees
- Grow pots
- Inflatable kites
- Paddle balls
- Bookmarks
- Seed packets
- Banners
- Posters
Prices vary by quantity, but generally cost less than $2 a piece. You may order Spring Back to Life promotional items by contacting marcikoblenz@companies-that-care.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Spring Back to Life™?
Schools that were seriously damaged or devastated by Hurricane Katrina are in need of gym, playground, and sporting equipment. The list includes balls, bats, tumbling mats, jungle gyms, jump ropes, nets, hoops, uniforms, etc. You name it, they either lost it or have a need. Replacing this equipment is challenging; because school-grade equipment is generally more expensive than home equipment because of the additional use. In addition, replacing athletic equipment is not the highest priority given the extent of the devastation, therefore, with the advent of spring, this is a great time to focus on the children and "Spring Back to Life"
When is Spring Back to Life™ happening?
March 16, 2006 — Companies That Care Day through April 16, 2006.
The kick-off date for Spring Back to Life is Companies That Care Day, March 16. On that day (or at any time until the initiative ends on April 16), organizations are encouraged to facilitate employee fundraisers and/or collect donations of hard goods detailed on our website.
How can organizations participate in this initiative?
There are two possible means of employer participation — financial contributions and/or donations of hard goods.
- Financial contribution — Employers may conduct fundraisers in order to purchase the needed equipment (via credit card, check or money order made payable to Center for Companies That Care) through the Companies That Care website. The organization would select the dollar amount to donate.
- Donate hard goods — Some of the requested athletic equipment needed does not require a specific brand and SKU number. An organization (or YOU) can collect and ship these items directly to the schools. All donated items must be new and shipped directly to the schools.
Can individuals participate in Spring Back to Life™ or must it be employer sponsored?
Yes, individuals may participate too.
Individuals are welcome to participate in Spring Back to Life by making a donation to Spring Back to Life through the Companies That Care website.
How do you know this equipment is truly needed by the schools?
Center for Companies That Care has validated the need with the athletic directors of each school.
Working from a list provided by the State of Mississippi, Center for Companies That Care, contacted the athletic directors at schools hard-hit by Katrina. We received a detailed list of equipment that was lost. This list provided not only the type of equipment that was lost (i.e. softballs), but also the brand and SKU numbers that meet the schools' requirements. Therefore, the equipment list that Companies That Care is providing on the website has been validated by the athletic directors at each of the schools.
Is there a fee to participate in Spring Back to Life™?
No.
There is no fee to participate in Spring Back to Life and Center for Companies That Care does not profit by marking-up any of the athletic equipment sold through the website. There are however opportunities to make a donation to Center for Companies That Care and help us continue to enhance the well-being of employees and communities.
What should an organization do to get ready for Spring Back to Life™?
Set a goal, communicate the initiative to employees, and plan the collection logistics.
Each participating organization should decide whether to do a fundraiser or collect donations of hard goods (or both) and communicate the initiative to employees. Possible ideas for employee fundraisers include: pay $5 and wear jeans to work; conduct a silent auction; pay $15 for a meeting-free day; donate $1 each time you attend a sports event or use athletic equipment in a month; hold a bake sale; auction lunch dates with senior executives (could do this by department too), pay to "be your boss" for a day or shadow someone for a day, etc.
Setting a goal is very important in maximizing the success of the initiative. Employees are more likely to participate when they are working together toward a goal that they perceive is important. A goal might be in the form of "we want to raise $1000" or "we want to purchase 15 basketballs and 4 hoops" or "we want to collect 150 jump ropes." Then, as the organization makes progress against the goal, communicate the progress to employees and let them know what is still needed.
To help you launch Spring Back to Life in your organization, Companies That Care has created a toolkit that can be purchased through the website. The "turn key" program kit will provide a detailed operations plan along with internal marketing ideas and supporting templates and materials.
What if too much of one type of equipment is ordered and not enough of another?
Center for Companies That Care will monitor the donations to ensure the needs of the schools are met.
The primary goal of this initiative is to meet the schools' needs. Companies That Care will be tracking all contributions to ensure schools get what is on their wish list. If necessary, we will re-direct donations that are made for packages of athletic equipment to the items that still need to be funded. For example, if there is a $250 baseball equipment package, but schools have already received all the baseball equipment they need, Center for Companies That Care will use that $250 donation to purchase athletic equipment that has not yet been supplied to the schools.
If we have more donations that we have listed equipment, we will add more schools. Companies That Care has already validated more than 15 schools that lost some or all of their athletic equipment, and that's only in Mississippi. We will continue to provide athletic equipment to schools for as long as there are organizations and individuals who wish to donate.
Can an organization donate gently used items?
No. Spring Back to Life is an initiative to provide new athletic equipment to the schools. In most cases, gently used equipment is not school grade and therefore does not meet the Mississippi schools' criteria.
Can an organization adopt a specific school?
Yes.
Organizations may adopt an entire school and agree to provide all the equipment the school has requested. Please call Marci Koblenz at Center for Companies That Care (312.661.1010) if you are interested in sponsoring an entire school.
Is there someone who can answer my questions?
Yes. Contact Marci Koblenz at Center for Companies That Care.
The contact information for Center for Companies That Care is:
312.661.1010 (phone)
marcikoblenz@companies-that-care.org (email)
info@companies-that-care.org (general email)
www.companies-that-care.org (website)
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