Deverin’s Locker
Every Child Deserves the Chance to Play
For children in foster care, participation in sports can be life-changing — offering structure, confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. But fees, equipment, and uniforms often put athletics out of reach for families already stretched thin. Deverin’s Locker exists to remove those barriers, ensuring that children in foster care can participate fully and confidently in the sports they love.
Named in honor of Deverin, whose life reflected the power of encouragement and opportunity, this program steps in when circumstances might otherwise say “no,” and replaces them with a resounding “yes.”
Donate & Support Young Athletes
When you give, you help open doors — to playing fields, locker rooms, and teams where children build skills and self-esteem that last far beyond the season.
Impact
200+
Children supported annually
100%
Fees and equipment funded as needed
All Seasons
Support for school and community sports
3 Counties
Greene, Christian, and Taney
Countless Moments
Confidence, teamwork, and belonging
Testimonials
When a mother came to Crosslines Food Pantry for the first time, she expected to leave with groceries. What she didn’t expect was to also find diapers for her baby, coats for her children, and even a birthday bag for her daughter, whose birthday was that very day. She left not only with food, but with tears of gratitude — a reminder that dignity and hope are just as essential as bread and milk.
When K.W. came to Crosslines, she was a single mother caring for an infant while working to rebuild her life. After overcoming homelessness, addiction and significant personal challenges, she had committed herself to creating a different future for herself and her daughter. Determined to continue moving forward, K.W. enrolled in a rigorous high school completion program through MERS Goodwill. While balancing the demands of parenting, she successfully earned her diploma and was accepted into CoxHealth’s Phlebotomy Program.
When a young family first came to Crosslines during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were facing housing instability, financial hardship, and the stress of caring for multiple family members with disabilities. After a dispute with a landlord left them struggling to catch up on rent, Crosslines helped connect them with grant funding that allowed them to settle their housing situation and move into a safer home.
After a serious injury and ongoing legal challenges disrupted their lives, a young couple came to Crosslines seeking food assistance. Through case management, they set goals and began addressing the many challenges they faced, including food insecurity, employment concerns, disability applications and mental health needs. Crosslines helped connect the couple with community resources, including SNAP benefits, utility assistance and other support services.
At 79 years old, Great-Grandma B. is raising two great-grandchildren, one in elementary school and one in high school. Like many kinship caregivers, she has faced the challenges of meeting the needs of growing children while living on a limited income. Over the years, she has turned to Crosslines for support through programs such as Wish I May, Holiday Assistance, Coats for Kids and resource referrals. Whether she needed help finding services, winter clothing or assistance celebrating special occasions, she knew where to turn for guidance and encouragement.
The Need
Youth in foster care already face significant disruption — changing schools, new homes, and unfamiliar routines. Sports can provide consistency and connection, but the cost of participation is often prohibitive. Missouri’s limited foster care funding leaves families to cover these expenses themselves, forcing difficult choices between essentials and enrichment.
No child should be sidelined simply because of circumstances beyond their control.
Our Approach
Deverin’s Locker provides direct financial support for:
- Sports registration and participation fees
- Uniforms, shoes, and protective gear
- Required equipment for school and community athletics
Requests are processed quickly through a simple referral process involving caregivers, caseworkers, or partner agencies — ensuring children don’t miss out while waiting for help.
The Deverin's Locker DK Memorial Track Meet
Each year, we gather to honor the memory of Deverin King through a day of sport and community spirit. By participating or sponsoring, you help Crosslines provide clothing, school supplies, and emotional support to vulnerable children in our region. Join us as we run for a cause and build a bridge toward security for the next generation.
Donation Fee: $15
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 4:00pm
Where: JFK Stadium, Springfield, MO
The participant donation covers all events below with place races by age and gender groups for each individual race. Age groups will start at 6 years old with a Toddler Run for ages 5 and under. Mixed (male and female) relays teams can be any age.