What: Lobo Softball is accepting donations for victims of the California Fires.
Where: Donations should be brought to theLobo Softball Field(south of The Pit – accessed via Sunshine Terrace SE off University Blvd.)
When: September 29 – October 8; Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Items needed: House hold goods (cups, utensils, pots, pans, can openers, etc.), extension cords, bedding, air mattresses and pumps, towels, non-perishable food items, tents, diapers, bottled water, pet food. (Not accepting clothing)
Monetary donations: http://gofundme.com/lobowildfirerelief
Contact information: Head softball coach Erica Beach – beache@unm.edu or 505-925-5814
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – It is no surprise that head softball coach Erica Beach wants to help out the ones in need after what she did with Oklahoma in 2013 when a horrific tornado hit. Once she heard about the fires happening in California, she knew she had to get the Albuquerque community together and get supplies lined up for the victims involved.
“Sometimes you just feel like you need to take action and help,” said Beach. “This is how, myself and our team, feel about the tragic Valley Fire in Northern California. Witnessing this disaster unfold before our eyes has been a moving experience. Lobo softball knows that we can help, and if you have the ability to help, then you better move on it.
“So we need the city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico to step up once again with us to help those in need. We know together we can make a huge difference in the lives of the thousands of people who are essentially homeless now or staying on cots in community centers.”
Coach Beach and the Lobo softball program will be collecting various supplies for the victims that are involved with the fire. Starting September 29, there will be a donation center at the Lobo Softball Field, which is located south of WisePies Arena aka The Pit, off University Boulevard. Donators are welcome to drop off stuff during the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. There will be a sign where you can put your donations.
Beach and former Lobo football player Derek Watson will be driving out all of the supplies on October 12. They have set up a GoFundMe account in order to help with traveling costs, as well as, funds to donate to families.
“I will personally take these goods directly to the distribution centers in the area just as we did in 2012 with the Moore, Oklahoma tornados,” Beach said. “The impact we had there was impressive and I know this will be no different. Please help us make a difference!”
“That disaster also affected UNM Lobo Alumni and the outpouring was nothing short of amazing,” said Watson. “We plan to coordinate a similar effort and demonstrate to communities across the country that the UNM Lobos care deeply about helping others in need and serving their communities.”
There are currently 10 active fires in the Middletown, California area with over 1600 homes burned down. The “Valley Fire” has burned over 75,000 acres.
This hits home for one of the current softball players on the squad. Freshman Brooke Breland’s family lives in that area and has already had to evacuate and find a new place to live.
“The Valley Fire affected not only the entire town of Middletown, but quite a few of my family members as well,” said Breland. “Some of their homes were partially damaged, while some were completely burnt down. The donation drive means a lot to me and my family and we are so appreciative of the help and support of everyone.”
The Lobos are accepting specific items including: House hold goods (cups, utensils, pots, pans, can openers, etc.), extension cords, bedding, air mattresses and pumps, towels, non-perishable food items, tents, diapers, bottled water, pet food. (Not accepting clothing)
Lobo softball will accept donations up until October 8. The Lobos have a double header on October 3 against Embry Riddle Arizona and will be accepting donations during the double header between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. So come out, donate for a great cause and watch some exciting Lobo softball.
“Together we can ease the burden,” Beach said. “Together we can put a smile on a child’s face. Together we can do amazing things and I’m looking forward to seeing the response from our community.”