A former athlete and alum from Oakville Senior High, Magdalen Pike, has founded a nonprofit, Passback, to “upcycle” used sports equipment of all kinds ranging from balls and cones to uniforms and bags. The donated items go to youth and families in underserved communities for free or are resold for a fraction of the retail price at the organization’s re-commerce store in the Cortex co-working spaces at 4818 Washington Boulevard, 63108, with all proceeds going back to further the mission to help all kids play sports. For example, Passbook recently donated hundreds of pairs of shoes to the St. Louis City Soccer Club’s youth development program. Gathering gear that’s no longer in use and taking up space at home would be another great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle, helping to protect God’s creation while benefiting our community. (Excerpted from an article in the November 28, 2024, St. Louis Call).