Pulling for Kids

They kick the dirt and plant their heels, rub their hands and grab the rope. Spectators lean in as the whistle is blown to see whose strength will prevail. Eight years and going strong, the Pull For a Kid fundraiser is definitely a different kind of charity event than your usual dinner dance and live auction.

This tug-of-war contest between 5 member teams made up of both men and women takes place at Howard Coffin Park on what is usually a brisk winter morning. Teams from Cross Fit Grit, Vello Brew, BHS Girls Soccer Team, Hammerhead Rugby, Donna Langford CPAs, Southern Soul Barbeque, Omcore Yoga, Tipsy McSway’s, Roller Derby Dolls and a few others have been coming out regularly to fight for bragging rights. Pull for a Kid Inc. founder and event organizer Brent Nichols says, “It has grown from 5 teams to me capping the number at 18 total.” Nichols is often among the competitors as well, the seasoned veteran rugby player’s large muscular build and smiling face is hard to miss.

Pull For A Kid, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded to assist local children in need to attend after-school and summer break day camp options. “It began,” explains Nichols, who is a licensed professional counselor in Brunwick, “in response to a 3rd grade boy, living on Albany Street who was pulled off his porch and savagely beaten by a homeless addict. He suffered cuts, broken bones and a fractured skull.” Brent says with help from fellow rugby team members, “We steam cleaned the bloody front porch, assisted with transportation for the mom to go to Shands hospital to be with her son, and provided food for the family. That attack happened after school during the daytime.” No child should have to go through that when there are after-school (continues)

programs that can provide a safe haven during hours when family members may be working.

Now, Nichols says, “This same little boy has grown into a Senior at Glynn Academy and has good attendance and excellent grades.” By helping that child and seeing the need that existed, Brent decided to do what he could to keep others from facing the same dangers, and thus Pull for a Kid Inc. was born. “I hand pick each child that comes from a working poor family, makes passing marks in school and is not a behavior problem.” Brent explains, “These quiet kids often fall through the Social Services cracks. Last summer, we sent 35 deserving local children to day camp for a safe, supervised and fun experience!”

In addition to assisting with after-school programs, day and summer camps, Pull for a Kid also has a Ham and Turkey Drive over Thanksgiving and Christmas to help the kids since they’re missing school meals. They also have a Book Bag Drive at the beginning of the school year to ease the burden on the family of providing school supplies. During Christmas, they provide limited clothing and gifts. Support for these activities comes from the $100 per team entry donations for the Pull of a Kid Tug of War event, moneys raised from the live auction and T-shirts sales at the event. There is also a Boston Butt sale ($25 each) the week before the Tug of War. Of course, Nichols says, donations are welcome at any time and may be sent to Pull for a Kid, Inc. c/o Brent Nichols, P.O. Box 1881, Brunswick, GA 31521.

The 8th Annual Pull will be at Howard Coffin Park on January 14th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kate Buchanan from Indigo Coastal Shanty will be there serving up complimentary chili and hot chocolate – a warm and delicious treat on a chilly morning. Kids are welcome too! Other than the Championships, the Children’s Pull is a crowd favorite with boys competing against girls. (Girls always win.) After the heated competition at the park, there will be a Post Tournament Social at Indigo Coastal Shanty with super sax man Michael Hulett performing and a silent auction. Admission to the tug of war event and to the social are both free of charge, so come on out with your family and friends to cheer on your favorite teams at the pull and stick around for food, fellowship, and great music. It’s all for the kids!

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