It was a sporting goods extravaganza in our soccer building as our friends from Wintrust recently spent the day putting together packages of sports equipment to donate to local schools and nonprofits, including Mercy Home.

The equipment was provided by Good Sports, a nonprofit based out of Boston whose mission is to give all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel, and footwear to those most in need.

The energy was palpable from the get-go as dozens of volunteers started the day off with a rock-paper-scissors competition. Next, they split into teams in the center of the room with tables of different sporting goods surrounding them. They then assembled the equipment into packages for each organization, which included items such as basketballs, volleyballs, jump ropes, and yoga mats.