About Adopt-a-Gym

Adopt-a-Gym is a “by kids, for kids” fundraiser where schools raise funds to purchase physical education equipment for other schools that are short on resources to purchase adequate equipment for themselves. Funds are raised by students through fun fitness events such as fun runs, dance-a-thons and other creative active events.

This process has many benefits!  Students from the donor school learn the power of philanthropy; they learn that, yes, they CAN make a difference in the world!  They learn that they don’t need to receive something in return in order to give; and that the positive change they create in the lives of children just like them make it all worthwhile!

Teachers from the schools that receive the equipment can give their students the well-rounded physical education program they deserve.  The students will not only be exposed to numerous physical activities, but get hands on experience because of the volume of equipment their physical educators have access to.  This can lead to tons of fun, reduction in childhood obesity, opportunities for higher education and, most of all, the creation of healthier lifestyle habits.

Last, but certainly not least, the students learn that there are good people in the world. This lesson of humanity builds good faith inside them which could lead to them passing it on throughout their lives.  The character built during the whole process is immeasurable!

Adopt-a-Gym began in 2015 at Charles Barrett Elementary School where I teach. We have adopted at least two schools every year so far. Schools from all over:

  • Two schools from Washington, D.C.
  • The first school I taught at in Brooklyn, P.S. 138
  • San Miguel, El Salvador
  • Henrico, Virginia
  • Denham Springs, Louisiana, where they were devastated by flooding.
  • Columbus, OH
  • Evansville, IN
  • San Juan, PR after Hurricane Maria
  • EIGHT schools in Houston, TX
  • Bridgeport, CT
  • Chapparal, NM
  • Baltimore, MD
  • FIVE Schools in Chicago, IL
  • Trenton, NJ
  • Ghana, Africa
  • AND GROWING EVERYDAY!!!

We have raised over $70,000 in seven years!  In the beginning, after fulfilling the wish lists of the adopted schools each year, we donate the remainder of the proceeds to our local homeless shelter.  That has totaled approximately $1,100!

donation photo
Donation of gift cards to Alexandria Carpenter’s Shelter in 2017.

Want to learn a little bit about the creator, Kevin McGrath? Click here

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Feb. 2022 – Trenton school gets fully funded by surprise during Keynote at NJSHAPE!

Kevin McGrath got the incredible opportunity to be the opening keynote for the New Jersey SHAPE conference in Long Branch, New Jersey. What an incredible experience to get to meet and attempt to positively impact an inspired community of physical educators. As a special surprise, McGrath ended the keynote by surprising one very appreciative educator … Continue reading Feb. 2022 – Trenton school gets fully funded by surprise during Keynote at NJSHAPE!

April 2019 – Adopt-a-Gym partners with Leveling the Playing Field and Alexandria Soccer for another amazing event!

In April of 2019, Charles Barrett ran their 4th annual Adopt-a-Gym event & were lucky enough to introduce their students to two wonderful entities! Leveling the Playing Field is an incredible 501 (c)(3) that centers their focus on repurposing used athletic equipment to give to students with the desire to play athletics but lack the … Continue reading April 2019 – Adopt-a-Gym partners with Leveling the Playing Field and Alexandria Soccer for another amazing event!

May 2018 – Adopt-a-Gym gives relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria!

After Hurricane Maria, there were many schools left without the basics, even running water and electricity! Thanks to Madison’s Trust Elementary in Ashburn, VA running an Adopt-a-Gym event, William D. Boyce Middle School in San Juan, Puerto Rico had one less thing to worry about! A full array of equipment was sent to them, no … Continue reading May 2018 – Adopt-a-Gym gives relief in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria!

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