Fourth Graders Open Sporting Goods Store to Support Families

Students in Waukee, Iowa, launch a free equipment program for local families

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A group of fourth-grade students in Waukee, Iowa, have opened the Waterford Sporting Goods Store, a student-led initiative to provide free sporting equipment to families in need. Before the store's launch, the students designed promotional materials and went through an application and interview process to staff the store. Through a donation drive, they collected 188 items that are now available for free to the community.

Why it matters

This student-led project aims to make sports and physical activity more accessible for local families who may not be able to afford the necessary equipment. By providing free gear, the fourth graders are helping to remove financial barriers and promote active lifestyles in their community.

The details

The Waterford Sporting Goods Store was entirely conceptualized and operated by fourth-grade students at Waterford Elementary. The students designed posters and recorded commercials to promote the new store. They also had to apply and interview for the various staff positions, with physical education teacher Joe Burch selecting eight students to work at the store.

  • The Waterford Sporting Goods Store opened in February 2026.

The players

Waterford Sporting Goods Store

A student-run sporting goods store at Waterford Elementary in Waukee, Iowa, that provides free equipment to local families in need.

Joe Burch

The physical education teacher at Waterford Elementary who oversaw the student application and hiring process for the Waterford Sporting Goods Store.

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What they’re saying

“We created a job application and had a lot of students that were interested in working for the store apply. We chose some of the students to do in-person interviews and ended up hiring eight awesome fourth graders who work in the store.”

— Joe Burch, Physical Education Teacher (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Waterford Sporting Goods Store plans to continue collecting donations and providing free equipment to families throughout the school year.

The takeaway

This student-led initiative demonstrates the power of young people to identify community needs and take action to make a positive impact. The Waterford Sporting Goods Store is a heartwarming example of how children can use their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to support their neighbors and promote active, healthy lifestyles.