I’m not much for sentimentality and I’m not even going to get into the current holiday season—which began and ended on December 21st if you ask me—but that doesn’t mean I’m a complete curmudgeon. My blood may have turned to dust long ago, but I still have a heart. So when BLVD's VP of Awesomeness and chief grip grabber, Kevin Kelly told me about his "Haul the Decks" Christmas board drive I got a little bit excited.

An artist's rendition of what my friend Tyler and I will look like in 10 years...

Because I'm lazy and mildly hungover from yet another night of holiday libations—I celebrate the parties, just not the religious stuff—I'll just cut and paste directly from Kevin's press release:

It occurred to me a while back (as I once again moved my pile of old decks and wheels) - that I should give them to somebody that needs them. I know I'm not the only one who packrats this stuff either...

So this year I hooked up with the BC Foster Parenting Association and offered to do my best to donate a pile of good used boards to them. From my experience over the last 25 yrs, skateboarding is an awesome way to help youth at risk. So I couldn't be more stoked to help them out this Holiday Season.

So please grab that old skate gear out of the crawl space and drop it off to BLVD Skateshop between Dec.07 -14th. No junk please, these kids deserve good stuff. On our end, we'll do our best to clean 'em up. We'll sand them, re-grip them, paint them etc. Whatever it takes to make sure that they're hyped when they get them!

In return of your gracious donation, we'd like to offer you a limited BLVD VIP Discount Card. Good for Life!

Thanks and hope to see you soon!!

KK

Kevin and I have been friends for a long time. Sure there was that 2 month period of awkwardness when I misguidedly, and drunkenly threatened to beat him up over retarded nonsense—retarded nonsense mine and not Kevin's—but that was silly and Kevin is a patient and forgiving man. So forgiving in fact, that he gave me the exclusive on this story. Take that Daniello!

When I arrived, Kevin and his "Skelves" were in full production mode, churning out complete, rideable set ups like nobody's business. fueled only by their own kindness, in addition to pizza and wobbly-pops, they worked on their own little christmas miracle. I would have helped but not only is it my duty as a "journamalist" to stay out of the story, but I'm still nursing a severely broken hand.

Here's my attempt at interviewing Kevin without having transcribe. I really, really, really hate transcribing.

How did you come up with the idea?
Mainly from traveling and seeing kids trying to have fun on crappy boards. That and having a pile of old skate junk at home. Figured someone could use it and knew that others would have some too. I was contacted by the Foster Parenting Assoc. for donations a little while ago and the idea was born.

How many set-ups did you put together for the kiddies?
19 full completes. We had tons of decks, not quite enough trucks and wheels. Still pretty good!
 
Of the public donations, what was the age range of people dropping shit off?
25 and up I’d say

Did you approach the industry? any luck?
Not this time. They support the needy enough with all their sample sales. Although Jimmy from Ultimate came through with a big box of truck parts and warranty decks. Thx Jimmy!

What was the reaction of foster kids lady?
Really stoked. Especially since these boards are going mainly to teens. I look forward to doing it bigger next year.

If you feel especially moved, touched or inspired, get in touch with the folks at BC Foster Parent Association or do some of that Google magic.