Virginia Physicians for Women is collecting new running shoes and sports bras for local girls at all VPFW locations through Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
When VPFW got involved with Girls on the Run in Fall 2022, they were blown away by the organization’s ability to inspire confidence and healthy habits in local elementary, middle and high school girls. The program brings girls of all skill levels together for weekly after-school group practices to train for an end-of-season celebratory 5K.
Beyond encouraging physical activity, the program also confronts some of the challenges life throws at girls on their journey to adulthood. Things like peer pressure, rumors, and feeling left out are addressed in coach-led group exercises at the beginning of each practice – before the running shoes even hit the ground!
This year, VPFW is collecting much-needed athletic apparel to help more girls participate in Girls on the Run at local elementary, middle, and high schools.
How to donate to VPFW’s sports bra and running shoe drive!
Girls on the Run’s spring program begins in late February, and VPFW is collecting new, mainly youth-size sports bras and running shoes to help girls who need them to be able to participate and start the season strong. Drop off donations at any VPFW location now through Friday, February 16, 2024.
Sports Bras New, youth-size sports bras are needed more than adult sizes. We are hoping to collect several Youth Small, Youth Medium, and Youth Large sizes as well as some Adult Small and Adult Medium sizes. In the past, there has not been much of a need for Adult Large sized sports bras.
Running Shoes New, youth-size running shoes are needed most. Shoes should be true running shoes, not play shoes! The highest priority is youth sizes 3, 4 and 5.
Amazon Wish List – the easiest way to donate!
With Girls on the Run’s Amazon Wish List, you can donate without leaving home! The only item on the wish list is Amazon gift cards that will be put towards shoes and sports bras in the sizes that are needed most. In the “To” field, please enter the email catherine.estevez@girlsontherun.org and select a delivery date of Feb. 16 or earlier.
Why VPFW Supports Girls on the Run
As providers of adolescent gynecology, VPFW has always been a proponent of physical fitness when it comes to girls’ health and wellness. (Just check out Dr. Jennie Draper’s blog post on Teen Girls and Running: the Benefits of Getting Active and Tips for Establishing Healthy Habits.) Girls on the Run drives physical and emotional health at a challenging time in girls’ lives when they could use a boost in both of these areas. The program builds confidence, camaraderie, and life skills in a fun way that these students look forward to every week.
VPFW is proud to support such an inspiring program, and we’re happy to give our patients a way to join us in giving more girls the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run. We thank you for the generous donations and support, and hope you’ll spread the word to girls you know who might benefit from the program.
Learn more about Girls on the Run of Greater Richmond.
Learn more about when girls should start seeing a gynecologist and what to expect and adolescent gynecology at VPFW.
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.
