In a wave of patriotic enthusiasm, students at St. Leo's gathered in the school gymnasium last week to kickoff a fundraising event that will help soldiers in Afghanistan bring smiles to children in wartorn areas.
As part of an outreach drive to support American troops, students are trying to collect 300 new and used footballs to be sent to children in Afghanistan.
Local Army Lt. Col. Arthur Elbthal and a team of 14 soldiers will distribute the balls to children in remote Afghan villages scattered throughout the western region of the country, in the hopes that these acts of kindness will help curb the Afghani children's interest in joining the Taliban fighters or local bandits.
Kicking off the drive, and in support of the New England Patriots' quest for a fourth Super Bowl championship, St. Leo School held a football spirit/Patriot pep rally in the school auditorium. The event included a short talk about Afghani- stan and the children of that country by Lt. George Como, who is an operations replacement at Fort Devens for Elbthal while he is away overseas. Using photos taken during his tour in the country and maps of Afghanistan, Como explained that children in that country do not enjoy the same benefits that American children do.
"Kids don't have a lot to play with," he said. "Things you might have and throw away, like your used balls and stuff, they'd play with them until they burst and then they'd still try to patch it back together and play with it."
Afterward he explained the importance of efforts like this to American soldiers serving overseas.
"It's great for us to get this kind of support locally," said Como. "If we can give the kids something to do so that they are playing and happy, then that's good. What we're dealing with now in Afghanistan is counter resurgence, and the more we're dealing with younger children, it helps to show them that we're not there to take over and things aren't as tough."
Como said he was stationed in Afghanistan between July 2005 and May of 2006 and that efforts like this could help soldiers overseas do their jobs more effectively.
During the rally, students dressed in Patriots attire brought in 230 new and used footballs, soccer balls and volleyballs. Once the drive is complete, the balls will be shipped to Elbthal in Afghanistan.
"It's good to be able to help the kids in Afghanistan," said Jeff Casella, 11. "'Cause we can't normally help them."
"It makes me feel bad that they don't have the option of playing sometimes," said Lucas Escobar, 10.
Arthur Elbthal, Elbthal's son, said he too felt glad to be able to help children.
"I feel bad for the kids. Everyone should be able to play these sports," he said.
Jenna McFaul, 11, said she was glad to be part of a fundraiser that helped those outside of the school.
"This is a good fundraiser because we usually do them to help our school and this is a way to help people besides ourselves and I hope we reach our goal and get even more than 300," she said.
Anyone wishing to help with a financial gift to fund shipping costs may mail a donation to St. Leo School, 120 Main Street. Leominster, MA 01453, or call Eileen O'Leary, director of development, at (978) 537-0142.