Mayor Rob Dolan and the Melrose Recreation Department are collaborating on a project to collect sporting equipment and apparel for the nation of Haiti, according to a city press statement.

Melrosian Rebecca Zama is heading up the project, according to the statement.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to help the children of Haiti," said Dolan in the statement, "and I want to commend Rebecca for taking the initiative to do this. It is a big undertaking, but I know her efforts will make a difference in many children’s lives."

In January 2010, an earthquake killed more than 300,000 people and displaced nearly a million in Haiti. Many of Haiti's schools and facilities were damaged, while residents were left without many basic supplies.

"Our goal with this drive is to collect new and used sporting equipment and apparel that will be shipped to over 18 schools in Haiti," reads the statement. "These supplies will give children and teenagers a chance to play their favorite sports, get their first team jersey, and have enough equipment to actually play a full game."  

Here is a look at the type of equipment being collected: 

• Sports materials for both sexes
• Soccer: Soccer balls, jerseys, cleats, socks, 
• Volleyball: Jerseys, balls, sneakers, socks;
• Basketball: Jerseys, balls, sneakers, socks;
• Baseball/Softball: Gloves, bats, helmets, jerseys, balls;
• Sports Miscellaneous: Whistles, air pumps, coach/referees uniforms

The collection for Haiti will be held on Saturday, March 2 from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. outside of the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Gym, 350 Lynn Fells Parkway, in the back parking lot entrance, according to the statement. The Melrose Recreation Department van will be parked outside of the gym accepting all new and used supplies, reads the statement. The van will be volunteer staffed by Zama and her extended family members for the day, adds the statement. 

For more information, contact the Melrose Recreation Department at 781-979-4179 or email recreation@cityofmelrose.org.