SOMERSET COUNTY, MD — On Wednesday, the Crisfield Police Department posted on Facebook that it plans to keep a bin of basketballs stocked on the Housing Authority courts.
"These are for you from us, Crisfield," the post said.
Chief Eric Lee told WBOC that the goal is to encourage a safe and active recreational activity for Crisfield's youth, regardless of whether they can provide their own ball.
Crisfield students emptied the bucket and practiced their free throws on their first day of Spring Break Friday.
"I'm going to be out here, playing basketball until the end of spring break," Tyheim said.
One self-proclaimed basketball pro said knowing the bin is there will probably make him more likely to use the courts.
"Every time I come to the court, I don't have to turn around and be like, I forgot my ball," Rymir said. "I can just be like, there's already a ball here, and I can hoop."
Officials from the Police Department said they used the benevolence fund, money fundraised throughout the year, to buy the initial stock of basketballs.
Since announcing the initiative, Chief Lee said people have been reaching out to donate more basketballs fit for boys and girls of all ages. He said they plan to use donated balls to replenish the bin as needed.
Nicole Jackson enjoys coming down to the courts with her children. She was happy to see the announcement on her Facebook feed.
"I actually shared it on my page as well," Jackson said. "It gives them something to do, especially if they don't have a ball."
"Crisfield Police Department" is written on all the basketballs to remind people to return them to the bin.