WAHIAWA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Donors and community groups have come together to help a youth football program following a fire that destroyed all their equipment.
From teaching football skills to life lessons, the Wahiawa United Football Club is an important source of pride for the community.
"It keeps them together. It's a gathering place on Friday nights when Lelehua hosts a football game," stated Keith Amemiya, Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaii President. "So we wanted to make sure that tradition continues and give our kids in Wahiawa hope."
When the team's storage shed burned down along with all their equipment earlier this month, it didn't take long for the community to step up. A partnership between Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and DACH donated a total of $10,000 to replace all damaged equipment.
"It's a little tough at practice. I think we were practicing with three footballs between three teams," said Bryant Moniz, Wahiawa United Co-Head Coach. "Coaches will be excited too because now, we can use more tools and equipment to teach the kids the game."
The team gained back more than what was lost, including a new storage shed donated by... to keep their equipment safer.
"It takes a community, it takes a village to support these types of activities, and this will help our kids become better leaders in the future," said Senator Dela Cruz.