The smiles started the moment the doors opened. ⚽️

On Saturday, June 27, Toys for Kids hosted another incredible Rick’s Locker event at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Tacoma, where 33 amazing kids from the Tacoma Housing Authority received the sports equipment they need to get in the game.

For many of these young athletes, this was more than a shopping trip – it was the beginning of a new adventure. Whether they dream of scoring the winning goal or making the game-saving catch, they now have the equipment to chase those dreams with confidence.

By the end of the morning, we had distributed an incredible 325 pieces of sports equipment, making sure every child left ready to play.

Each young athlete received:

⚽ Soccer Ball

👟 Cleats

🦵 Shin Guards

🩳 Shorts

👕 Active Top

🎒 Soccer Bag

🧦 Socks

🥅 Goalie Gloves

💧 Rick’s Locker Water Bottle

👕 Rick’s Locker T-Shirt, generously provided by Logo Unlimited

Several kids also received baseball equipment, proving that no matter the sport, Rick’s Locker is here to help kids find their place on the field.

One of the biggest highlights of the day? Spending time with Seattle Mariners players Ryan Bliss, Patrick Wisdom, and Casey Lawrence! They didn’t just stop by – they jumped right in, helping kids pick out gear, signing autographs, taking photos, sharing laughs, and making every child feel like an MVP. Watching these professional athletes invest their time in the next generation was something truly special.

None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners who believe every child deserves the opportunity to play.

A huge thank you to:

• Names Family Foundation

• Grassroots Soccer

• Logo Unlimited

• Seattle Mariners

• Dick’s Sporting Goods

Because of your generosity, more kids are discovering the joy of sports, building confidence, making friends, and creating memories they’ll never forget.

The Impact Keeps Growing

Rick’s Locker isn’t just handing out sports equipment – we’re creating opportunities.

With this event, Rick’s Locker has now served 1,588 kids throughout 2026, providing an incredible 1,696 pieces of sports equipment to young athletes across Washington.

Every pair of cleats means one less obstacle.

Every soccer ball sparks new dreams.

Every backpack, glove, bat, or jersey represents another child who gets the opportunity to be part of a team, build confidence, make friends, and discover what they’re capable of.

You Can Help the Next Kid Get in the Game!

The best part about Rick’s Locker? We’re just getting started.

Every donation helps us put another child on the field, another ball in their hands, another pair of cleats on their feet, and another smile on their face. Whether you give financially, donate new sports equipment, sponsor an event, or become a corporate partner, you’re helping remove barriers so kids can experience everything youth sports have to offer.

Visit www.tfkseattle.org to support Rick’s Locker and help us reach even more children across Washington.

Because every child deserves the chance to hear a coach say, “You’re in!”

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, donor, and athlete who made this day unforgettable. Together, we helped 33 kids, distributed 325 pieces of equipment, and created memories that will last far longer than a season.

Because when our community comes together, amazing things happen.

1,588 kids served. 1,696 pieces of equipment distributed. And we’re just getting started.

Rick’s Locker – We Pay. Kids Play!

POWERED BY:

SMITH FAMILY FOUNDTION

DODIE SMITH CHARITY FOUNDATION