More than 70 new soccer balls, footballs, basketballs and other playground balls were recently donated to youth organizations in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, thanks to the American Heart Association and G.F. Bowman.
The Lebanon Revolution youth soccer program received a donation of 10 soccer balls and the South Sixth Street Playground in Lebanon received a collection of over 60 different types of sports and playground balls. The donation was part of G.F. Bowman’s sponsorship of the 2024 Lebanon Heart Ball, held on March 9 at the Lebanon Country Club. Event attendees were invited to bring a ball with them to the Heart Ball to donate. A collection bin was set up at the door and was full of donations by the end of the evening.
In addition to the ball collection, the Lebanon Heart Ball raised more than $144,000 to support the mission of the American Heart Association as it celebrates its centennial year. For more information about the 2025 Lebanon Heart Ball or other ways to support the American Heart Association in Lebanon County, contact Janelle Miller at janelle.miller@heart.org.
According to the American Heart Association, kids should get at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity every day for their whole-body and mental health. This can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day. Kids who are active have better bone health, physical fitness, brain function, attention and academic performance. Physical activity can also help kids stay at a healthy weight and have fewer symptoms of depression.