Chances are you've already seen one of the many racquet collection boxes these brothers have distributed throughout Richmond.  Erik and Alex Haley hope you'll drop in one of your good quality used racquets, where it will then be assessed by a pro and spruced up a bit, before being passed along to Byrd Park's summer tennis program for underprivileged youth.

Alex, 12 and Erik, 16, are off to a good start in their quest, having picked up racquets from several clubs already. "Tennis is a great sport that should be shared with everyone.  Rich or poor, everyone deserves to be able to play with a decent racquet and have a good time," said Alex, who attends Moody Middle School as a pre-IB student.

"The RTA racquet drive project is a worthwhile endeavor since people will know that their racquets are going to a charitable program where underprivileged children will have an opportunity to learn a terrific sport. It only requires a small  effort for many to benefit," said Erik, a student at Maggie Walker Governor's School.  Erik and his younger brother, Alex, will earn community service hours for this project benefiting a non-profit organization.

Collection boxes have been placed throughout tennis clubs and retail locations in the city of Richmond.

All of the clubs participating in the Anthem Challenge are collecting racquets (with the exception of Westwood Club), and retail shop The Plaid Racquet in the west end.

Donated racquets will be assessed by club pros for structural integrity.  The boys will also re-grip each racquet, and hope to be able to provide restringing if necessary.  (If you can do it first, that would be greatly appreciated!)

The brothers intend to have collection boxes out through Thanksgiving.