ReCleats, established in 2011 by two youth Valpo Soccer players, Steven Gerry and Michael Gerry (under the direction of their father Robert Gerry, former president of NWI United and board member of the Valpo Soccer Club) will be ceasing operations this summer and concluding it's mission to collect lightly used sports gear from local northwest Indiana sources and then distribute it across the globe.
The final shipment of over 1,000 lbs. of gear will be delivered by Michael Gerry, Steven Gerry and 38 other area youth this June to communities in Nicaragua, through a mission connection with youth for Christ. With both Michael and Steven completing their local schooling and stepping away to attend school outside Indiana and their parents Robert Gerry and Beth Gerry relocating to Boise Idaho where Robert has been hired as the Executive Vice President for Norco, Inc. there is no one left locally of the family to maintain the ReCleats Mission.
ReCleats would very much like to thank all of the contributors who have donated lightly used gear, taken time to refurbish and pack the equipment and for supporting the cause of extended product life in general. A special thank you to a select few members of both the boys and girls valpo high school Soccer teams who helped collect gear over several years.
ReCleats would also very much like to thank the businesses and clubs which allowed collection bins to be placed at their locations or presentations to be made to their boards and members all in the name of a great youth experience: Mike Blythe at Blythes sporting goods, Scott Hankins at hallmark sports, Duane Davison at the Valpo International center, current and former presidents of NWI United, the Valpo Soccer Club and the entire NWISL (all three soccer organizations were instrumental in gaining traction for the collection of equipment).
Final donations are being collected, refurbished, sorted and packed through April 16th. If anyone is interested in carrying on the ReCleats mission further, please contact Robert at robertmg2014@gmail.com to coordinate a transfer of the logo, collection bins, etc.
The entire northwest Indiana community has been extremely generous in supporting this cause and the ReCleats family thanks you sincerely for the efforts. God Bless !