Raleigh Schools, YMCA, Active SWV receive $71,000 in outdoor equipment

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) -- A beverage company is giving away gear to local organizations and a school district for youth fitness.

The Dr. Pepper Snapple Group awarded Raleigh County Schools, Active Southern West Virginia, and the YMCA of Southern West Virginia an equipment donation valued at $71,000.  As part of  a partnership with national non-profit Good Sports, the donation is part of the company's "Let's Play" initiative, which provides funding and equipment to help kids get some play in their day.

"They just don't have the means or the funds to play," said Melissa Rundlett of Good Sports.  "So, we do these sorts of events all across the country and we make donations to kids just to get them active."

More than 1,700 pieces of equipment is expected to benefit more than 50,000 kids throughout southern West Virginia.