Your Stories: Hoop to Help Scores Big: 1,000 Backpacks Distributed to Waterbury Children in Need
September 4, 2025Categories: Colleague Corner
On August 2, the spirit of teamwork extended beyond the court at the annual Hoop to Help basketball tournament, held at the Waterbury Police Activity League and Jonathan Reed School. Now in its eleventh year, the event brought together 30 teams from across Connecticut with one shared goal -- raising funds for backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need.
Students and volunteers for Hoop to Help.
Volunteers, school and local leaders come together for the Hoop to Help initiative.
Hoop to Help is more than just a tournament, it’s a movement that shows how sportsmanship and service can go hand in hand. The heart of the initiative lies in its community partnerships. Volunteers and local businesses play a vital role in its success, including support from Saint Mary’s Hospital which sponsored jerseys for all participating players. The hospital's contribution, along with support from other sponsors, helped the initiative reach a major milestone on August 27, with the distribution of 1,000 backpacks to nine elementary schools in the Waterbury community and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury.
“Children can't grow up to have a good, healthy life without a good education," said Paul Gladding, Manager of Supply Chain, Saint Mary's, and Hoop to Help co-founder. "It's very important to make sure they are provided with the necessary tools to do so.”
As Hoop to Help looks to the future, its mission remains clear -- using the love of basketball as a bridge to generosity. With every game played and every backpack delivered, the organization proves that giving back is always a slam dunk.
Submitted by Paul Gladding, Manager of Supply Chain, Waterbury Market, Trinity Health Of New England.
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