Why would Ivy Tech Community College Northwest have over 500 basketballs emblazoned with their logos and sporting their college colors of green and white -- especially when they have no basketball team? It is because the college plans to donate the balls to Boys and Girls Clubs in Northwest Indiana.

The balls are part of the statewide effort by Ivy Tech Community College to donate nearly 1,500 basketballs to 76 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the state of Indiana. Hopefully, the balls will assist with providing equipment for the clubs and also introduce the idea of college to some students who may not believe they can attend college.

On February 1, Chancellor J. Guadalupe Valtierra will present basketballs to the Northwest Indiana Boys and Girls club at 5 p.m. at the East Chicago Katherine House Club, 2009 East 138th Street. The Porter County clubs will also be in attendance. Plans are underway to also present to the LaPorte County club on February 7.