Zach Ertz Donates $30K, Sports Gear To Delco Kids Sports Group

PHILADELPHIA — A Delaware County youth empowerment and sports association got a visit from a star Eagles player and a sizable donation recently.

On Tuesday night, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, Dunkin' of greater Philadelphia, and Good Sports made a donation of over $30,000 worth of new sports equipment to Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association in Chester.

The Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association is an all-volunteer based, premier youth sports organization in the heart of Chester.

For the past 15 years, the program has been a haven for many families in economically disadvantaged areas, with many kids needing to receive scholarships to participate.

Although the Chester Panthers aspire to support all interested youth in Chester, the lack of funding, resources, and equipment forces the organization to turn away close to 40 kids each year from programs.

Tuesday’s surprise donation — valued at $31,023 and over 823 pieces of sports equipment and apparel for 261 kids — will ease the economic strain placed on the Chester Panthers, allow more participants in its programming each year, and provide the necessary equipment to the teams.

The equipment donation is part of Dunkin's "Touchdowns for Kids" program where Dunkin' donates $250 to Good Sports Inc. every time the Philadelphia Eagles score a touchdown throughout the season.

The funds donated through the Dunkin's "Touchdowns for Kids" program directly support regional youth sports organizations in need by providing much needed apparel and sports equipment.

Ertz also personally donates $250 for each touchdown he scores.

Since its inception in 2013, the program has raised more than $170,000.