Start a Donation Chapter

What Is a Donation Chapter?

A Donation Chapter is a local group that collects and prepares sports equipment for distribution through The Locker League.

Donation Chapters may be based at:

  • Schools

  • Sports teams or clubs

  • Neighborhood associations

  • Community centers

  • Youth organizations

  • Local businesses

  • Other approved partner locations

Each chapter works under The Locker League’s national standards while creating meaningful local impact.

Apply Today!

League Captain Application
League Captain Application
Adult Advisor Application
Adult Advisor Application
Host Organization Approval
Host Organization Approval
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
Parent/Guardian Consent Form

How it Works

1. Build Your Leadership Team

Each Donation Chapter begins with:

  • Two student League Captains 

  • One approved Adult Advisor

  • A team of student and adult volunteers

League Captains are appointed for a one-year leadership term, typically following the academic calendar. At the end of each term, new League Captains are selected to continue the chapter’s work, creating opportunities for more students to develop leadership skills.

When possible, chapters are encouraged to have one returning League Captain serve alongside one new League Captain each year. This allows experienced student leaders to mentor incoming captains while ensuring continuity from one year to the next.

2. Identify a Host Location

Choose an approved school, organization, or community partner that can serve as the chapter’s home.

A host location may provide:

  • A place to collect donations

  • Storage space

  • Access to volunteers

  • Support for equipment drives

  • A trusted connection to the community

The host organization must approve the official home of the Donation Chapter before launch.

3. Apply to The Locker League

The proposed League Captains and Adult Advisor complete the Donation Chapter application.

The Locker League reviews:

  • Leadership team

  • Host location

  • Community need

  • Storage and collection plan

  • Adult supervision

  • Proposed service area

  • Readiness to follow national policies

League Captain Application
Adult Advisor Application

4. Complete Orientation and Training

Approved chapters receive training on:

  • Equipment collection

  • Donation standards

  • Volunteer safety

  • Youth leadership

  • Community service verification

  • Event planning

  • Brand standards

  • Child privacy

  • Community Locker support

5. Plan Your First Equipment Drive

The chapter selects a date, location, and collection goal.

The Locker League provides approved tools such as:

  • Flyers

  • Social media graphics

  • Donation signs

  • Accepted-item lists

  • Event checklists

  • Volunteer registration materials

  • QR code check-in tools

6. Sort and Prepare Donations

Volunteers inspect, clean, organize, and prepare equipment.

Items that are unsafe, broken, recalled, or unsuitable for reuse are not distributed.

Adult Advisors help ensure that chapter procedures are followed.

7. Support a Community Locker

The chapter helps deliver approved equipment to one or more Community Lockers or other authorized distribution partners.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Restocking

  • Organizing inventory

  • Reporting maintenance needs

  • Monitoring equipment needs

  • Coordinating seasonal collections

A Community Locker may be supported by more than one Donation Chapter.

8. Keep the Chapter Growing

Successful chapters continue to:

  • Hold equipment drives

  • Recruit volunteers

  • Develop new League Captains

  • Build community partnerships

  • Support local lockers

  • Share approved impact stories

  • Mentor future chapter leaders

Chapter Requirements

Chapter Conduct

All chapters must agree to:

  • Follow The Locker League’s mission and policies

  • Use approved logos, messaging, and materials

  • Maintain accurate volunteer and donation records

  • Protect children’s privacy

  • Operate without discrimination

  • Avoid unauthorized fundraising or sponsorships

  • Avoid signing contracts on behalf of The Locker League

  • Report safety, legal, or reputational concerns promptly

Financial Responsibility

Local student leaders and Adult Advisors may not independently:

  • Open bank accounts in The Locker League’s name

  • Sign contracts

  • Accept restricted sponsorships

  • Purchase insurance

  • Commit the national organization to expenses

  • Represent themselves as corporate officers

All fundraising and financial activity must follow national procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Chapters may be based at other approved organizations, including teams, churches, community centers, neighborhood groups, or youth organizations.

  • The proposed model requires at least two League Captains so students can share responsibilities and support one another.

  • Yes, provided the parent completes all required approval, training, and screening steps.

  • No. A chapter may support an existing Community Locker or another approved distribution partner. Several chapters may support the same locker.

  • Chapters may participate only in fundraising approved by The Locker League. They may not independently open accounts, solicit restricted gifts, or make financial commitments in the organization’s name.

  • Chapters must use approved national branding and naming conventions. Social media accounts must follow The Locker League’s ownership and administration policies.

  • The commitment varies. Chapters should be prepared to hold recurring activities, communicate with volunteers, support equipment distribution, and maintain active student and adult leadership.

  • The timeline depends on the completeness of the application, host approval, screening, and training requirements.

  • Yes. Chapters should plan for student transitions and recruit future League Captains so the program can continue from year to year.