Modell’s Sporting Goods now has the Jordan Melo 8 available at select locations.  Please see below for a current list.

New York Locations

The goal of Operation Backpack is to raise 1,000 backpacks for children in need.  Donations are also being accepted in their main offices in Collingswood at 235 White Horse Pike until September 6th, 2011.   All donated backpacks and school supplies will be given to under privileged children.

Modell’s Sporting Goods will support Operation Backpack by utilizing (6) Modell’s locations as drop off spots for new backpacks and school supplies.  The promotion will continue from now until September 6th.  The Bustleton Bengals had 20 players from their youth football team to donate backpacks on behalf of Modell’s.  The Bengals were surprised to find out that campaign spokesperson, Eagles All-Pro Quarterback, Mike Vick would be in attendance.  Mike had the opportunity to thank the players by signing a few autographs and taking pictures.

The six Modell’s locations that are participating in Operation Backpack are:

• Cherry Hill Mall
• Deptford Mall
• Berlin Circle Plaza
• Cinnaminson
• Mt. Laurel
• Cottman Ave (Philadelphia)

 Since the beginning, the efforts of players’ parents have resulted in a culturally rich experience for all involved.  The teams alternate visiting each other’s countries every other year.  This year, Hawks families will host boys from Finland while their parents lodge at a local hotel.

As a supporter of the event, a Modell’s private shopping event was scheduled from 8:00 – 9:00 AM on Monday March 21, 2011 at #28 Clifton Heights.  In attendance were players from the Haverford Hawks and both Finland Viking youth teams as well as parents/guardians.  The players and parents from Finland had an opportunity to pick up plenty of “local” gear, with Modell’s donating a portion of all the sales back to the Finland Exchange Program through their participation in Team Weeks Program.

A number of events for both parents and children are planned in conjunction with the ten day exchange program. Scheduled events include an ice hockey tournament, a Philadelphia Flyers game, a Flyers practice, tours of New York & Philadelphia, and shopping.  As an added benefit through Modell’s, the Helsinki Vikings players are scheduled for a private meet & greet with the Philadelphia Flyers from Finland, Kimmo Timonen and Ville Leino, following their visit to Flyers practice on March 23rd.

With every major TV network picking up the story, the kids raced through the store grabbing footballs, basketballs, sneakers and more. Then to top all that off, mom Christina was presented with Modell’s gift cards to buy some things for herself. The final surprise would come later in the day when the family would come back to the store for their own private meet & greet with Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Jeremy heard about the families story through Modell’s and wanted to help out. So he came out to the store right from practice to meet the kids, sign autographs, and take pictures with them. To top it all off the kids got to ride home in a limo with Jeremy! It was a very emotional day for the family and they were extremely appreciative of the local support they received from Modell’s Sporting Goods and Jeremy Maclin to give them a Merry Christmas.