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Gainesville Teen Recognized For Work On Non-Profit

Heath Locklear, 16, loves video games.

But after some pushing from his father, he decided to do something more impactful the summer before his freshman year than just sit at home playing video games. He started his own non-profit called "Charity Nerds," which collects and donates video games to children in need.

For his work on Charity Nerds, Locklear earned a Bronze Medallion as a distinguished finalist in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Locklear's principal at Saint Francis Catholic Academy, Jason Acosta, presented the award to him at school.

"When he could be out playing with friend or doing things that are high-school age level things, he's out there helping people who really need it," Acosta said.

Locklear held a Super Smash Bros. tournament to raise money for the charity and is planning another one in April.

Anyone who wants to get involved or donate to Charity Nerds can do so at https://charitynerds.org.

 

Rachel is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.