Local youth football team receives donations after fire
A local youth football league will be ready to take the field next season, thanks to a donation to help replace equipment that was burned in a fire last month. The team lost uniforms, safety gear, and practice equipment in that fire.
“I made a promise to these kids that they’re going to play this season and I’m going to stick to this,” said Kali Alonzo, the vice president for the Coachella Valley Junior Raiders.
Alonzo made that promise after finding out the team’s storage unit was burned down last month. The fire destroyed more than $35,000 worth of equipment.
The team’s season was put on the line, as coaches and board members scrambled to fundraise. But after Wednesday nights practice, the league is one step closer to replacing what they had lost.
“I’m here to present this check to them as a donation,” said Sharon Ruis. She’s a Coachella Valley local and after hearing about the Raiders story, she was inclined to donate $5,000.
“It was unreal. My stomach turned with excitement,” Alonzo said, “This is going to replace all our helmets. That’s one thing checked off our list that we don’t have to worry about. Our kids have safety equipment now.”
The team is made up of about 100 players and cheerleaders. One parent tells KESQ & CBS Local 2, the league is vital for many children.
“It’s very important. My son is 12-years-old and it keeps him off the streets and more opportunity to get along with others.”
The program is made available to all Valley youth, regardless of financial constraints. Sixty percent of players are sponsored and the team still needs help to continue sponsorships for those who can’t afford registration and/or equipment.
“I actually challenge them [the community]. Everybody, to step in, and let’s help these young guys to achieve their goals and get their equipment back so they can play,” Ruis said.
The league needs about $10,000 more to be able to play their first game in September.
They’re hosting a firework fundraiser in the the Food-for-Less parking lot in Coachella at the end of this month, from 8:00 a.m – 10:00 p.m. The fundraiser will go until the 4th of July.
Alonzo has set up a GoFundMe page set up for donations. You can also reach them on Facebook here.
