A young soccer player in Uganda. Courtesy/Blanca E. Jones
Staff report
Every year children outgrow their soccer clothes and shoes and now there is a local opportunity to donate those items to children in Uganda.
The “Soccer for Uganda” drive is underway in Los Alamos and White Rock to collect used soccer clothes and shoes along with used soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, soccer socks and jerseys.
Los Alamos Drop-off: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at Crossroads Bible Church, 97 East Road.
White Rock Drop-off: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Time Out Pizza, 118 N.M. 4.
“Receiving a shipment of soccer equipment, in Uganda, from the Los Alamos and White Rock Community would mean so much to these children,” organizer Blanca E. Jones said. “With your help these beautiful children will know that there are people in this world, whom they don’t even know, who truly care for them.”
The SOROTI EAGLES SOCCER ACADEMY (SESA) of Uganda, serves destitute local village children lacking many daily essential needs.
The Academy is dedicated to helping these children address spiritual, physical, socio-emotional and cognitive needs. Also counseling and guiding children who are going through life threatening circumstances, offering HIV/AIDS education, and career guidance for those who are still in school.
Many of these local village children have lost one or both parents to the violence in which they’ve lived or to diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
It is not uncommon that some of these children are homeless, living in the streets fending for themselves as they seek food and shelter.
These boys and girls are given a meal for the day at soccer practice or during their game’s half-time period.
The local village games in Uganda are much to be looked forward to, bringing a gathering of the entire surrounding villages together.
Soccer brings the children laughter, joy and companionship while they learn vital skills in team work and unity.
For more information, contact Blanca Jones at 505-919-8742 or blancaejones@gmail.com.
