Hi, I'm Rod.

I started Milk Crate Basketball several years ago with one simple belief: every kid deserves a chance to play.

Growing up, basketball became an important part of my life, but I also know what it's like when money makes it harder for kids to participate. Sometimes all that's standing between a child and the game they love is a pair of shoes, a basketball, or the gear they need to step onto the court with confidence.

During its first chapter in Traverse City, Milk Crate Basketball was able to assist approximately 250 kids with registration fees, shoes, apparel, and equipment thanks to the incredible generosity of our community.

When our family moved from Traverse City, Milk Crate Basketball's first chapter came to a close. The program had always been built on local relationships, and suddenly our community had changed. Now, after putting down roots here and getting to know this community, it's time to begin the next chapter.

It's time to bring it back.

This new chapter of Milk Crate Basketball is a simple grassroots effort focused on helping kids in northern Michigan get what they need to play the game. Every dollar raised will go directly toward providing basketball shoes, equipment, and other essentials for local kids who just need a little assist.

I don't know if we'll help one kid or one hundred. I just know both numbers are greater than zero—and that's reason enough to try.

Thank you for being part of the story and for helping us give kids an assist.

You can learn more here -- https://www.milkcratebasketball.org/