Donations of used sporting goods are sought by Mount Airy recreational officials, to give such items a new home while helping others in need.

The Reeves Community Center Foundation and Mount Airy Parks and Recreation are sponsoring the RCC Foundation Sports Equipment Closet.

Clean, used ball gloves and bats, shin guards, soccer shorts, baseball pants, volleyball shoes, knee pads, tennis and racquetball rackets, basketballs, basketball shoes, footballs and other items are needed for the campaign.

Those wanting to contribute used equipment in good condition can bring it to the community center.

Organizers opted to launch the drive as the outdoor sports season began winding down and winter sports activities started being planned, according to Catrina Alexander, city recreation director.

“We have some cabinets on wheels that the foundation bought us, so we kind of have a mobile storage facility,” Alexander said.

Pointing to the emphasis nowadays on recycling, she added that recreational items now taking up space in local closets can achieve new uses, just as bottles and cans do. “This is a great way to do that,” she said of the used-equipment drive.

“And a lot of families really do need the help,” Alexander said, especially with kids outgrowing shoes in a short time and parents still wanting to keep their children active despite tough economic times.

In addition to helping others, the program can allow participants to make tax-deductible donations.

Those in need of contributed sports items can call RCC at 786-8313.