Do It 4 The Youth: Empowering Futures Through Sports, Service, and Community
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | February 17, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
Do It 4 The Youth: Empowering Futures Through Sports, Service, and Community
Founded three years ago by Ello Soto, Do It 4 The Youth has become a beacon of hope for families facing financial instability. This charitable organization is dedicated to ensuring that children, regardless of their economic background, have access to the life-changing opportunities that sports can provide. Through its unwavering commitment to building skills, offering encouragement, and fostering enthusiasm, Do It 4 The Youth is making a powerful impact on the lives of children and families in the community.
A Mission Built on Empowerment and Opportunity
Ello Soto’s vision for Do It 4 The Youth is simple: to provide every child with the opportunity to start young, build skills, and develop character through sports. By removing the financial barriers that prevent children from participating in athletic activities, Soto is helping to create a more equitable environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Soto firmly believes that no child should be turned away from these opportunities due to financial constraints. “Sports teach discipline, teamwork, resilience, and confidence,” Soto explains. “I want all kids to have access to these lessons. It’s about building the foundation for success, both on and off the field.”
Through Do It 4 The Youth, Soto helps families enroll their children in sports programs, covers sports fees, and provides transportation to practices. The organization is fueled by donations and fundraising, with its work driven by a collective commitment to giving back to the community.
Community Partnerships: Strengthening Bonds and Building Connections
Do It 4 The Youth runs a variety of community events and partnerships to support its mission and further its outreach. One of the most impactful collaborations is with Royal Industries, with whom the organization hosts an annual Mother's Day Car Wash. This event not only provides a fun and meaningful way for families to support the cause but also fosters a sense of community spirit.
In addition, Do It 4 The Youth partners with Royalty Cut Studios to organize the Father's Day Cut and Brunch. This event provides free haircuts for children and their fathers while offering a brunch experience and a gift handmade by the child. These special events help build relationships within the community while reinforcing the organization’s values of giving back and serving others.
“We are heavy on community service and giving back,” Soto says. “We want to mold this mindset in the kids. I always remind them that they are someone’s reflection—that someone is always following their example.”
Collaborations with Local Organizations
Soto’s commitment to community extends beyond her own organization. Do It 4 The Youth often collaborates with several other local groups that share the same values of empowerment and service. Soto gave a special shout-out to several organizations she deeply admires: 5 Star Heart, Lehigh Valley Health Network, The Nick Dawkins Foundation, and Jahan Dotson Impact Athlete Football Camp. These collaborations help Do It 4 The Youth expand its reach and provide more opportunities for children and families in need.
Additionally, the organization has partnered with The DaVinci Center and also Inna Star, founded by actress Jacinth Headlam, to work on entrepreneurial skills through video production. These efforts help youth develop valuable, real-world skills that prepare them for future careers, all while fostering a sense of creativity and confidence.
Recognition and Achievements
Ello Soto’s leadership and dedication to her community have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Soto was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Inna Star Trailblazer Award and the Union Baptist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministry Award. Do It 4 The Youth also received the Community Votes Allentown Platinum Award, recognizing the positive impact the organization has had in the area.
These accolades reflect Soto’s tireless commitment to making a difference. However, she remains humble, saying, “It’s not about the awards. It’s about the children and families we serve. We are here to build futures and provide opportunities for all.”
A Focus on Education and After-School Support
Beyond sports, Soto is also a dedicated educator. She works as a middle school teacher and parent liaison, running an after-school program that helps students with their homework and academic needs. This program fills in the gaps before children head to their practices, ensuring they have the academic support they need to succeed both in school and in sports.
With approximately 300 students served each week during the school year, Do It 4 The Youth plays a pivotal role in the lives of many children. Soto arranges transportation for each student to attend their practices, ensuring that transportation is never a barrier to participation. By supporting both academic and athletic growth, Soto is giving children the tools they need to excel in every area of their lives.
Housed in the Casa Guadalupe Building
Do It 4 The Youth operates out of the Casa Guadalupe building, which serves as a hub for various community programs. The building is home to a variety of services that help strengthen the local community, from educational resources to family support programs. This central location allows Do It 4 The Youth to connect with families in need and offer its services in a welcoming and accessible space.
During the summer, Do It 4 The Youth hours are from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and from 2:30 PM to 6 PM during the school year.
Looking Ahead: Building a Brighter Future
As Do It 4 The Youth continues to grow, Soto’s vision remains focused on providing children with opportunities to excel, both in sports and in life. Through its many programs, partnerships, and community efforts, the organization is building a stronger, more connected community where every child has a chance to succeed.
Soto’s work is a testament to the power of giving back, lifting others up, and building opportunities for those who need them most. Through her leadership and dedication, Do It 4 The Youth is creating lasting change and helping to mold the next generation of leaders, athletes, and community members.
With a heart full of passion and a commitment to service, Ello Soto and Do It 4 The Youth are showing the world what it means to invest in the future—one child at a time.
