First State Skate seeks board donations for Dec. 17 giveaway

Part of the mission of First State Skate Supply, Delaware’s only mobile skate shop, is to promote skateboarding as a positive influence for youth in the community. The First State team wants to put as many skateboards in people’s hands as possible.

To celebrate the the holiday season and First State Skate’s fifth anniversary, James West, one of its owners, has a goal of putting 100 boards in the hands of local kids before Christmas. West often shares how skateboarding helped save his life. He speaks about how skating helped him avoid problems at home, and stay away from drugs and alcohol.

West said the skate community gave him a strong sense of independence, and the battle to learn and land tricks taught him about determination. These are the kinds of lessons he aspires to share with young kids, and giving away free skateboards is just the beginning.

West plans to don his famous blue Santa suit to distribute the boards Sunday, Dec. 17, at Epworth Skate Park near Rehoboth Beach.

Kathy McDonald from La Vida Hospitalty is helping West achieve his goal by collecting funds and keeping track of donations. For the past five years, McDonald has helped with a large-scale bike drive, so this year she has decided to pare back a little and is shifting her focus to skateboards. She often says it feels good to give, so when West reached out, she was fully on board. For answers to questions regarding the drive, email kmcdonald@lavidahg.com.

Donations can be dropped at the La Vida Hospitality offices at 19406 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. To donate funds, send Venmo payment to @Joseph-Moore-169, and note that transaction is for skateboard donations. For more information, go to firststateskatesupply.com.