Millburn residents can drop off gently used sports equipment at the Millburn Free Public Library starting Monday, Sept. 14, as youth-led nonprofit GiftYourGear kicks off a two-week collection drive.

The drive runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, during regular library hours at 200 Glen Ave. Labeled collection bins will be stationed near the entrance.

Bryan Jiao, a Millburn resident and GiftYourGear member, announced the drive in a community post on Patch. "We're hosting a sports gear drive at the Millburn Library to help make sure every local athlete has the equipment they need to play this season," Jiao wrote.

GiftYourGear is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects and redistributes sports gear to underserved communities across New Jersey. The organization says it has donated more than 1,000 items valued at over $58,000 to athletes through five partner organizations: Oasis, Ironbound Community Corporation, Wynona's House, UrbanPromise and Camden Community Partnership.

Dhruv Nair, a student at Montclair Kimberley Academy, founded GiftYourGear roughly three years ago, according to a LinkedIn post from the school. State Sen. Kristin Corrado, who represents District 40, has previously recognized Nair and the nonprofit on her official Facebook page, describing GiftYourGear as a student-led effort to provide sports equipment to young athletes who might not otherwise be able to play.

Jiao and a fellow Millburn resident named Lucas are organizing the local drive. The nonprofit says it works to expand sports access for children regardless of family income.

Accepted items include athletic shirts, jerseys, shorts, pants, sports shoes, cleats, balls (soccer, basketball, football) and baseball and tennis equipment. All donations should be gently used or new.

The Millburn Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:45 p.m.

Residents with questions can reach GiftYourGear at [email protected].

Upcoming

• Monday, Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 27: GiftYourGear sports gear drive, Millburn Library, 200 Glen Ave., during library hours.