In a heartwarming display of community engagement and generosity, Pittsburgh Steeler, Levi Wallace in collaboration with his charitable organization, the Levifoundation39, recently made a significant contribution to the community. The cornerback donated playground equipment to the Kidsville Learning Center in the Bloomfield/Garfield neighborhood. The gesture highlights the positive impact athletes can have off the field.
When Kidsville’s assistant director, Michele Hurtt, got the phone call, she was in disbelief. “I thought it was a joke. I thought, are you serious? I wanted to know how they found us, why they chose us.” Hurtt said that the center remains amazed by the generous act and deeply appreciate the gesture. But it got better, not only did Wallace personally deliver the equipment himself, he came back the next day with his team mates to put everything together. “We were completely surprised that he offered to come back with team members to assemble the play yard equipment,” Hurtt said. Armed with their own tools, Wallace was joined by strong safety, Elijah Riley, cornerback, Luq Barcoo, free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and free safety, Tre Norwood. Working together, the Steelers defense players had the play yard toys up and ready in no time.
Motivated by his parents’ legacy of operating a childcare center for 28 years in their hometown of Tuscan, AZ, Wallace was inspired to give back by making a generous donation to a deserving center. Assigned with the responsibility, MacKaiya Cherry, communications assistant and social media coordinator for the Steelers, was tasked with researching local childcare centers to explore potential avenues for assistance.
But this act of generosity came about through a simple observation. Cherry happened to drive past Kidsville where the newly installed play yard turf caught her attention. When she mentioned this to Wallace he said, “It was a no-brainer: the center should have new equipment to complement the new surface.” Wallace says he understands that play is an essential aspect of a child’s development, fostering physical, cognitive, and social skills, and knew this would be the perfect gift.
“His act of kindness will be forever appreciated,” Tiffany Stuckey, Kidsville director, said. “This has truly touched my heart and will enrich our program. Our children will have hours of fun.”
Wallace established the Levifoundation39. This charitable organization’s mission is centered around its core values of inclusion, commitment, social responsibility, and mental health. Wallace has partnered with UPMC working with mental health professionals to help curb the stigma surrounding mental health. “As an advocate for mental health, I want people to know that it’s okay to seek help. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.”
By emphasizing the importance of discipline, hard work, and dedication, the foundation aims to help young people realize the necessary life skills needed to foster pride and self-confidence. With a strong commitment to empowering youth, the foundation extends support through college scholarships. Wallace said his number one goal is “to provide positive life experiences for youth and to give them opportunities that will benefit and enrich their lives.” He and his foundation have sponsored Christmas shopping with children in Pittsburgh and in Tuscan, in addition to Thanksgiving dinners, and youth football camps.
From an early age, Wallace played an array of sports. However, it was at age 8 that he discovered his passion for football. Wallace enjoys the camaraderie he shares with his teammates and the antics that unfold in the locker room. The bond formed through travel, teamwork, and shared experiences creates an unmatched brotherhood that accompanies the sport. For Wallace, being surrounded by his teammates is a source of pure joy and fulfillment.
He said in football, each position has to work together to achieve the end goal. “It’s not just one person in the spotlight, it’s the entire team.” This mentality follows his mission in giving back. “I’m glad to have this platform, opportunity, and the resources to give back, and as long as I do, I’ll continue to do so.”
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Summer 2023). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
