St. Joseph comes together to support youth sports

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Joseph Project led a community impact initiative at the Downtown Felix Square to do more than just sweep the sidewalk.

Multiple St. Joseph departments, alliances and non-profits worked to beautify Felix Square. The reason for the sudden work is to give St. Joseph students the chance to play youth sports.

"We're here today with the 3D leadership journey through the Joseph company to spend a few hours in our community, to give back to our community through just clean up of the area," said Markus Shepard, an Altec Industries volunteer.

Shepard was one of the many volunteers who joined the cleanup efforts

"We're raising money for under-resourced youth in our city who have a desire to play school basketball with their school teams, but they have financial hindrances that prevent that," Joseph Company organizer Wes Simmons said.

Simmons and the Joseph Company announced the project to raise $6,000 by Nov. 25. The money will go toward letting 100 St. Joseph students participate in the MO Family Sports Elementary School Basketball League. 

For every $60 donated, one St. Joseph student is sponsored. With the $60, the Joseph Project will add two hours of community service. 

"Our team set the goal for $6,000 raised, and I'm happy to report that we're at almost $6200 right now," said Simmons.

Since the Joseph Company has completed its goal, the company is looking to move forward with helping more students and families in the St. Joseph community.

"Each dollar goes towards one life. But how can we do more? How can we just go out to get hundreds? Can we get to 150 this week?" said Shepard. "This is a great one-time thing, but then what do we do tomorrow to also continue to grow our community?"

The Joseph Company hopes to combine all sides of St. Joseph to come together and use resources for a good cause.