Story and photos by Robin Elisabeth Kilmer
Goldin Martínez of Get Focused organized a coat drive at the Shabazz Center.
While it is a more common sight to see Goldin Martínez encouraging youths to do crunches, push-ups and obstacles courses, the new challenge he set before local residents this past week was no less daunting.
Martínez, the founder and CEO of Get Focused, a youth fitness program, was determined to collect coats – hundred of them – to donate to families in need this past Sun., Nov. 25th during a drive held at the The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
As Martínez saw it, the drive was part of the organization’s broader mission of helping the community.
“I thought of the idea a couple weeks ago,” he explained. “I don’t just try to target youth; we also want to target the family.”
The coat drive attracted veteran and new donors alike.
Lesley Gist was greeted with a high five from Martínez when she came by with two coats.
“I donate everything,” she said. Gist believes a culture of donating encourages other people to pay it forward when they can.
Read more: Focused on more than fitness.
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