“It’s one of our five heartbeats,” Opal Gorman said, “to give generously.”

The operations director for The City KC church in Raytown was talking about the pillars of the church’s mission.

“We’re always looking for ways to give,” Gorman said, “especially for the next generation.”

That’s why, she said, when a church member told about the opportunity to help children in LINC’s basketball get good shoes for their practices and games, The City KC Pastor Armour Stephenson III was eager to help.

The City KC this month donated $5,000 to help LINC provide basketball shoes for children at James, Carver and Whittier elementary schools in the Kansas City Public Schools, and Conn-West Elementary School in the Grandview School District.

It’s an important gift for youth who often don’t have good shoes to enjoy and compete in sports, said LINC Athletic Director Jason Ervin.

“We thank The City KC for giving our kids this opportunity,” he said. “Kids look good and feel better about themselves when they have the right equipment. It builds self esteem.”

LaNee Bridewell, a member of The City KC, has had the chance to see the impact of LINC’s sports programming and went to Pastor Stephenson with the idea the church could support the program’s kids.

Bridewell is the founder and director of Athvantage, a non-profit that supports under-resourced communities in providing opportunities in athletics to help youth lead healthier lives, excel in school and have more college opportunities.

“I believe all children deserve to have these experiences,” she said. Sports help build character, she said. They can help lead youth away from depression and into experiences of joy.

LINC has been expanding its athletic programs throughout its 45 school-based Caring Communities sites. LINC works with partners to provide free coaching, equipment, uniforms and sports leagues so that more children can enjoy the many benefits of sports.

In addition to basketball, LINC has grown programming in flag football, baseball, softball, soccer, golf, pickleball, boxing, bicycling and mindful movement. See ways to volunteer or donate to LINC programs at kclinc.org/get-involved.