USA Hockey Foundation

The USA Hockey Foundation launched its It Starts With A Stick campaign Dec. 2 with the intent of raising funds to put 12,000 sticks into the hands of youth hockey players during Hockey Weekend Across America, which takes place Feb. 20-22, 2015.

The campaign's launch date coincided with #GivingTuesday, a recent tradition and global celebration dedicated to giving back and celebrating generosity. The end goal is to raise $150,000 by the end of December to fund the initiative.

“This is an exciting project that will help new kids trying hockey maintain and grow their passion for the sport," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey and The USA Hockey Foundation. "I'm confident the generosity of the hockey community and beyond will help us reach our goal."

Those who are interested in learning more or making a donation to It Starts With A Stick, can visit usahockeyfoundation.com/sticks. The campaign's progress will be tracked there and on USA Hockey's social media accounts (Twitter and Facebook) with the #GiftAStick hashtag.