A pair of up-and-coming golf stars lent a hand Tuesday as fourth and fifth graders at Learn Charter 10 school in North Chicago received sports equipment needed to launch a new after-school program.

Backpacks with either a soccer ball or basketball and other items were assembled and distributed to about 45 kids as part of a Day of Caring highlighting The Sports Shed. The Libertyville-based organization provides athletic equipment to schools and organizations in need.

“You want to keep kids off the street and able to participate in the benefits of sports,” said Sherry Arthur, director of development of The Sports Shed. “It’s going to be a new program. They’ve never been able to offer this to the kids before.”

Golfers Nick Hardy from Northbrook and Tee-K Kelly of Wheaton took time out from their preparations for this week’s Rust-Oleum Championship near Mundelein to assist Tuesday’s efforts. The Web.com Tour event runs through Sunday at the Ivanhoe Club, west of Route 60 and north of Route 176.

The golfers worked with kids on a free-throw shooting contest, assembled equipment and took part in other activities.

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