Evan Ream: What better time to give back than now?
APRIL 25, 2020
We could all use a pick-me-up right now.
Whether it’s just connecting with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or helping those in need, everyone needs something during these trying times.
And while we can’t really play sports right now, we certainly have the time on our hands to organize our things and get rid of what we don’t need.
I often think about the Random Acts of Kindness Club that existed at Da Vinci Charter Academy when I worked there.
The mission of the club was simply just to do kind things, randomly. Not only did it feel great to be on the receiving end of said things, but it felt great to be on the giving end as well.
That’s why I’m grabbing two pairs of cleats that don’t fit my obnoxiously wide feet and giving them to Second Touch Soccer.
The nonprofit, which we’ve covered in the paper before, was started by DHS alums Michael Vernau and Brian Birt seven years ago.
Both were fantastic high school athletes — Vernau was one of the top cross country runners in the area and Birt was one of the more technical players I’ve ever seen suit up for DHS soccer.
While still in high school, they decided to start a company that collected and donated soccer gear to children all across the world.
Let’s be honest, most of us in Davis have a lot and could do with some giving. And what better way to prove our worth as a strong soccer community than by doing so?
Since the nonprofit’s foundation, several other DHS star athletes have been involved including Lindsey Vernau and Jaleel and Yasmeen Dmeiri.
The items distributed have gone to locations as close as Woodland and as far away as the obscure corners of Africa.
With most of the founders having moved onto different things, the organization is now run by a trio of youngsters — Elizabeth Barger and Lilianna and Sebastian Rodriguez — all Davis Legacy players who are in their teens, as well as Lindsey Vernau, who works remotely from college.
Sometimes the younger members of our community are those who surprise us the most and can do some of the best work.
That’s the case with Second Touch Soccer. Our future is helping people in the present.
We all have too much stuff, so let’s give the things we don’t need to people who don’t have the opportunity to afford the same lifestyle we’re so lucky to enjoy.
There’s no reason for my words to be in here anymore so I might as well let Second Touch Soccer mom Laura Barger take it away with how you can donate:
“If you would like to help provide soccer equipment to those in need, there are a number of ways you can help,” she said.
“First off all, you can donate your used soccer shirts, shorts and cleats. Donations are accepted at Legacy Soccer Complex (look for the box in front of the clubhouse), Boheme Hip Used Clothing (409 3rd St., Davis), front porch of the Vernau’s (2921 Rockwell Ct., Davis), Bargers’ (36720 County Road 30, Davis) or Rodriguez’s (323 Hillview Lane, Winters).
“Secondly, if you know of any children, teams, schools, or clubs in need of soccer gear, please contact Second Touch Soccer at 2ndtouchsoccer@gmail.com so that the donation can be made.
“Finally, some of the Second Touch Soccer gear is requested from places abroad. The cost of shipping usually makes it prohibitive. If you are traveling and know of a soccer group in need, gear can be packaged up so that you can take it with you to deliver in person.”
More information can be found on Second Touch Soccer’s Facebook page facebook.com/Second-Touch-Soccer-1319043103411905/ or Instagram @2ndtouchsoccer.
