TOLEDO, Ohio — Andre McCallum has spent over a year offering opportunities for kids in Toledo to learn the sport of boxing at Toledo ARK's gym on Fassett Street. Now the program is tipping off with a brand-new winter basketball program.
"A lot of parents- they'd rather have their children play basketball sometimes," said Andre McCallum. "I hear a lot of moms say, 'I want to get my kids involved, but I don't want them to do boxing- when are you going to start basketball?'"
The program is open for kids ages 8-14 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass Community Association in central Toledo. It's free of charge.
McCallum, the founder of Toledo ARK, said the program offers a mentorship for kids who are navigating their own life problems. ARK references the biblical Noah's Ark, identifying the program as a place of safety for those who need it.
"When [the kids] are young, small problems seem like big problems, so when they have a big brother like myself or Coach John [McCallum] or a big sister like some of my staff, we're able to help them think," he continued. "And if we can mix that in with teaching them something that they already love, which is basketball, it's a win-win. "
McCallum coaches the kids alongside with his uncle, John McCallum, who is a deputy sheriff. John McCallum said he's played with some legendary hoopers. Now he's gone from hooping to helping.
"Some of [the kids in the program] can't dribble, and that's fine," said John McCallum. "What we want to teach them is that sports are not the only thing- teach them about education also."
How good of a player you are doesn't matter. For them, the gameplan is simple- motivate kids to be better to themselves and each other.
Toledo ARK is not only helping kids in the gym, but also families during the holidays.
Andre McCallum shared with WTOL 11 that on Nov. 27, starting at 5 p.m., the program will be giving away Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need. The giveaway will take place at 316 Fassett Street in east Toledo and will go until turkeys run out.