When met with the opportunity to put smiles on faces of a family of 12 this holiday season, there was no hesitation from Louisville City FC head coach John Hackworth and his wife, Tricia.
Partnering with Academy Sports + Outdoors, the Hackworths spent their Saturday afternoon giving a Kentucky Refugee Ministries family in need a $2,500 shopping spree.
“It’s just wonderful to see a smile on their faces,” Hackworth said, “and to have a partner like Academy (Sports + Outdoors) who’s offering this kind of opportunity to this family is unbelievable.”
Having recently lost its home to a house fire, the Ekuchi family has worked tirelessly to rebuild. On Saturday, each of 10 children — ages four to 21 — were given $250 gift cards with the entire store at their fingertips.
Choosing from toys, clothes, shoes, soccer cleats, workout equipment and, in one case, a bicycle and matching unicorn helmet, the Ekuchi family left with both their carts and hearts full.
“This is a family that has worked incredibly hard,” Hackworth said. “The older brother worked the night shift at UPS last night. This is a family that is doing everything they can to make the most of the opportunities they’ve been given.”
Partnering with KRM, Tricia Hackwork first met the Ekuchi family about a year ago.
“My wife Tricia — who works with Kentucky Refugee Ministries and works with this family specifically — has just built a really good relationship, especially with one of the kids who she works one-on-one with,” Hackworth said.
“When we go to their door the little girls come out and want to hug. It’s been difficult in the COVID situation because you have to have social distancing and things like that. But Tricia has been remarkable in her work with the KRM and it’s just been a wonderful relationship.”
Having participated in many other fundraisers such as “Bikes or Bust” and “Shop with a Cop” across the Louisville area, Academy Sports + Outdoors is no stranger to giving back to its community.
“It’s all about being part of our community,” said Steve Duncan, store manager of the Outer Loop Academy Sports + Outdoors location. “They shop here and we give back. There’s no better feeling, especially this time of year, when we can reach out and help a family that is in need to give them a little of something they may not have gotten this year.”
