It started as a capstone assignment for fifth grade at The Village School of Naples and spiraled into an ongoing project to help children who need shoes. Michael Roberts, 11, wanted his project to have meaning and incorporate baseball, given his love of the sport. Michael Roberts, 11, wanted his project to have meaning and incorporate baseball, given his love of the sport.
“I had to choose something I was passionate about, which is baseball,” he said.
Michael plays center field for a triple-A team at Gulfside Baseball Academy in Naples. He began making necklaces with different color patterns to represent themes of freedom, power, the galaxy, and dreams. He expanded his work to include the colors of sports teams.
Michael explained that he wanted to help instill the power of positive thinking in other athletes. “Each necklace has a positive message,” he said. “If I give them the necklaces [to other players], they might play at a better level.”
The necklaces cost about five dollars to make, and he sells them for $15 at baseball games and school and to family and friends. All the money earned goes to buy cleats to donate to Laces of Love, a nonprofit in Naples. Laces of Love has given more than 300,000 kids new shoes over the past 18 years. Shoes are donated directly to local school children in Collier and Lee counties and through other nonprofits. Michael has raised $500 so far and recently used that money to buy 13 pairs of cleats.
Andrea Stetson
Jeanne Nealon, founder of Laces of Love, receives a donation from Michael Roberts, 11.
“There are so many kids who can’t afford sports equipment,” Michael said. “I want to be able to help kids play baseball.”
His parents, Stephanie and Dave Roberts are proud their son chose to donate the money rather than keep it for himself.
“He has always been an entrepreneur, ever since he was little – just making things and selling them or going around the neighborhood to rake leaves or (in Canada) shoveling snow,” Stephanie Roberts said. “We are proud watching him support this local charity and having his younger brother want to follow in his footsteps. He is a great role model.”
Michael and his younger brother, Lucas, 8, purchased the cleats online and then delivered them to Laces of Love. They even helped organize and tag the shoes.
Jeanne Nealon, founder and president of Laces of Love, said it is great to have young volunteers support her cause.
“It breaks my heart wide open,” Nealon began. “It lets us know that there are really good children out there who want to serve others and kind children who recognize that there could be a little boy on his baseball team who needs shoes. It renews your faith in the youth of today. Michael is just taking care of his own little part of the world.”
Michael began his capstone project last October but decided to continue with his mission long after that school assignment was complete. His goal now is to raise $1,000 for cleats.
“I will just keep going,” he said. “I feel this is better for the world.”
For more information about Laces of Love, visit www.lacesoflove.org.