The closets of young athletes are often piled high with sports equipment they no longer use.

The cast-off items are too tight, short or small, even though they were outgrown before they got good and dirty. But Rhonda DuBois of Decatur has an idea.

She is forming a community service organization, Pass It On, to give used equipment to young athletes who need it.

The mother of three boys, ages 20, 13 and 9, has cheered from the sidelines, along with her husband, Jody, and they understand the financial strain of sports participation.

“We’ve been playing sports for years and had an inside look at what’s involved,” she said. “They grow out of their stuff so quickly, and then it just sits there, unused.”

DuBois’ goal is to collect for all sports and in all sizes (K-12); then give it away.

Although, a small collection is already growing in her garage, she is having a donation drive to officially kick off her efforts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in the football field parking lot at McCarroll Middle School, 1201 W. Thompson, in Decatur.

No items will be refused, and they will be will be passed along as needed and available to anyone who is interested.

She hopes to bring equipment to the sports sign-up events throughout the year, so kids and parents can pick up what they need.

DuBois emphasized “this is for anyone who needs it, not just for those struggling financially.”

She suggested some families might like to “exchange” equipment by donating items they’ve outgrown.

“These are tools for these kids, and if they have the proper tools, they feel better about themselves,” she said. “And if they feel better about themselves, then they perform better.”

DuBois said she had been “asking the Lord to use [her]” in some way, and this particular effort had been on her heart for some time.

“I want this to be a testament to Him,” she said. “I just want it to be a blessing and help anyone who needs it. Every kid who wants to play, especially at a young age, should have the opportunity.”