Eric's Goal!

More photos from Africa

2010-09-11T20:32:00.001-07:00

Below are more photos from Philip in Africa. The kids are having a blast with your donated soccer balls! Many thanks to all who have made donations!

Letter and photos from Africa

2010-09-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

Trudy,
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to you and your staff for sending these soccer balls, we will be handing them out to the children in the town of Dikhil, Djibouti and the village of Kontali, Djibouti. This will no doubt brighten their day enormously, they love soccer and play every day. If it would be okay with you I would like to send you back some pictures of the children when we give them your donations.
Many Many Thanks, Phillip

Soccer Nets donated by Maryland Soccer Foundation, Montgomery County, MD

2010-09-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to have received another donation from Maryland Soccer Foundation in Montgomery County, Maryland. Thanks to Executive Director Trish Heffelfinger, we have 27 used soccer goal nets to send to Iraq! Trish responded to a request for nets in the past and remembered us this year when the old nets were replaced.

We have a new contact in Iraq, Donavan, and he has agreed to distribute the nets to areas where needed. Donavan said he has seen fields without soccer nets so they will be appreciated!

Many thanks to Trish Heffelfinger and the Maryland Soccer Foundation for their generous contribution. And thank you Donavan for helping to find homes for the nets in Iraq and going above and beyond your duties!

With appreciation to all our military men and women and their families on this, the 9th anniversary of 9-11.

Donation from the Women of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Abdingdon, MD

2010-04-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

A big Thank you to the Women of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Abdingdon, Maryland, for their generous donation of $75.00 to Eric's Goal! This donation will cover the cost of postage for our next shipment to Iraq, Afghanistan or Africa. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and are used to cover shipping and operating expenses only.

We truly appreciate your selection of Eric's Goal to receive your contribution. Thank you!

Eric's Goal Staff

Andrew DeLaere's 8th Birthday Party Collection!

2010-04-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Happy 8th Birthday Andrew DeLaere! Thank you Andrew for sharing your birthday with other children. It was very generous of you to ask for gifts for others on your big day! The items you collected will be sent to children in either Iraq, Afghanistan or Africa. Where ever your presents are sent, there will be many happy kids to receive them!

Andrew's father is in the Navy and was recently deployed, so Andrew and his family know all about the sacrifices that military familys make on a daily basis. We would like to thank you and your family for all you do for our country Andrew! Many thanks to you and your Mom for delivering the items to us over the weekend.

Here is a list of Andrew's donations:

30 Balls, (26 new & 4 used)
6 Pairs of Shin guards (3 new & 3 used)
4 Pairs of Cleats (1 new & 3 used)
2 Pair Soccer Socks (new)
2 Soccer Ball Pumps (new)
2 sets Soccer Cones (new)
Inflating Needles (new)

Preston Durkee of Livonia, N.Y.

2010-04-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to Mr. Preston Durkee who donated $100.00 to Eric's Goal in January of 2010. His donation helped cover the cost of postage to send the last couple of collections to Iraq. Mr. Durkee is an 87 year old Veteran who served in the Air Force as a Radio Man in China!

Thank you Mr. Durkee for your service to our Nation and thank you for donating to our cause and in turn helping the children of Iraq!

Colby and William Snyder from Maryland collect for Eric' Goal!

2010-04-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Colby and William Snyder from Maryland, who collected new and used soccer balls and equipment for the Iraqi children! Your donations were also sent to Airman Mike Songer and were given to Iraqi children in orphanages. They too will be playing with your donations by now! Here is a list of your donated items:

Soccer Balls: 12
Pump: 1
Cleats: 10 Pr.
Shin Guards: 1 Pr.
Pennies: 5
Pants: 2
Socks: 10
Jerseys: 61
T-shirts: 53
Hats: 7
Shorts: 5
Jackets: 9

Tricia Davis' Cub Scout Den, Millersville, MD collects for ERIC's GOAL!

2010-04-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Tricia Davis' Millersville Cub Scout Den collected soccer balls and items for Iraqi children earlier this year. Their donations along with another, were sent to Airman Mike Songer who recently helped to distribute them to children in orphanages in Iraq. Mike is working on getting copies of the photos taken during the delivery and we will post them when received!

Thank you to Tricia Davis and her Cub Scout Den! There should be many excited Iraqi children playing with you donated goods at this very moment!

Below is a list of the items collected:

Soccer Balls: 36

Pairs of Socks: 89

Net Bag: 1

Cleats: 27

Shin Guards: 16

Goalie Gloves: 1

Jerseys: 58

Pennies: 5

Pair of Shorts: 25

T-shirts: 11

Donations from Ashley & Sarah in Pennsylvania!!

2009-11-14T19:59:00.000-08:00

A big "Thank You" to Ashley & Sarah for collecting donations for Eric's Goal! They worked at their collection for months and we were finally able to meet Ashley's Dad to pick up their generous donations! They did a great job of deflating the balls and packing them in boxes that are easy to ship. The following items were collected by these young ladies and will be enjoyed by children in Africa and/or Iraq.

Soccer Balls: 58
Socks: 29
Shin guards: 19
Cleats: 46
T-Shirts: 11
Jerseys: 56
Pennies: 32
Cones: 36
Shorts: 45
Sweat Pants: 4
Pug Goals: 2
Ball Bags: 1
Monetary donations: $150.00

We will be completing the custom forms and sending your donations out within the next several weeks. Thank you again to Ashley & Sarah, for a job well done!

(updated 12-08-09 from re-count)

Thank you letter from Iraq!

2009-11-14T19:54:00.001-08:00

We recently received this lovely e-mail from one of the Chaplains in Iraq who we sent soccer balls and equipment to.

Dear Eric's Goal:

Please accept my attached "Thank you Letter" for both, your prayers and the care packages that you provided to our Soldiers in the past year. I want to take this moment before leaving this country after a 12 month deployment from Iraq to thank you for your love, prayers, and the time and effort that you put into sending items for our Soldiers. As we continue our mission in Iraq it is a blessing to receive support from home. We are able to take the items that you sent along with other boxes and distribute them to service members in our unit. Although you may receive no contact from individual Soldiers, please know that each of your care packages were appreciated and that we thank you for thinking of us during this time. Thank you for your powerful prayers for our Soldiers and all the support you have provided.

May God bless you.

CH (CPT) SANG H. KIM
1-77th Field Artillery Battalion "Falcons First"

DONATIONS FROM PETE NOEL, LANGHORNE PA & THE GRAY AND GUENTHER FAMILIES

2009-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Pete Noel has helped us all again this year by collecting more soccer balls and equipment. This time they will be sent to our military men and women in Africa for distribution to the children there. Many will go to kids in orphanages.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Pete Noel for meeting me to deliver the goods. And thank you to the Gray and Guenther families from Langhorne PA for their donations. Many children will enjoy the fruits of your labor! Just picture the smiles you are creating.

Above is a list of donated items provided by Pete Noel. Thank you again!

FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE

2009-09-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I received an envelope in the mail addressed to me from the U.S. Army. I was not only surprised by the contents, but truly humbled. I found a Freedom Team Salute Certificate of Appreciation and a letter from General George W. Casey, Jr.!

I accept this wonderful salute on your behalf, in your honor. There would be no Eric's Goal without all of you who have collected, contributed, sorted and packed all of the donations we have received over the past few years.

An Army lapel pin was also enclosed and I wear this pin with pride as it was offered: "as a statement of our shared commitment to support America's Soldiers."

Thank you all for your generosity and kindness in supporting our American military and the children of this world. Together we can make a difference.

LETTER FROM COL. MIKE MOURI

2009-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

We have been most fortunate to have contact with some very amazing people. Col. Mike Mouri is one of them! He has taken the time to write a hand written thank you note for the soccer supplies we have sent to him. The donations have been given to children in orphanages located in the Horn of Africa. His note is copied her so than you may all know the appreciation of these children and of our military men and women.

Many thanks to Col. Mouri and his soldiers for all that they do on a daily basis.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AFRICA

2009-09-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

What an honor to receive this certificate and these incredible letters. Our donations that have been shipped to Africa have been appreciated by many! The Operation Enduring Freedom Certificate of Appreciation above is for all who have contributed to Eric's Goal, as are the attached letters.

How humbling to have Col. Christopher G. Torelli and MSG John W. Capuzzzo take the time to write to us on Memorial Day. We do have an amazing military force that work daily to protect and serve and even go the extra mile to provide services to those less fortunate and then take the time to say thank you to us at home for our support.

Many thanks to our Special Operations Command in the Horn of Africa and to all of our military men and women!

Giving Soccer Balls to the children of Afghanistan

2009-04-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some wonderful photos from Mary Z. in Afghanistan. It seems that children the world over can relate to this common sport! How terrific to be able to support our troops and reach out to children in other countries as well! Thank you all for your participation - you make this possible.

"We did receive the three boxes of soccer balls, net bags and flags. Thank you so much.... Attached is a photo of a HA drop we did on 30MAR09. The faces on the children tell the whole story of how happy a soccer ball can make them..... Please thank everyone who donated and we would greatly appreciated more soccer balls. Thank you for supporting the troops.

Mary Z.

Thank you Mary for all you do for our country and the children of Afghanistan!

Sending Soccer Balls to Ethiopia!!!!!

2009-03-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

We have expanded our horizons and have begun shipping some of your donated soccer balls to Ethiopia and also to Afghanistan.

We were recently honored to receive the following letter from the Embassy of the United States of America, in Ethiopia!

Our continued thanks to all of you who have donated to Eric's Goal! You are making a positive difference in the lives of many children. We are grateful to each and every one of you.

Thank You to Tom Cruise in Iraq!!!!!

2009-03-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

We received the following post card from non other than Tom Cruise - yes that is his real name! But this Tom Cruise is busy handing out soccer balls to the Iraqi children. Tom is with SAIF - Soccer for American Iraqi Friends! He has been handing out soccer balls for quite some time now. Recently we began sending your donations to him. See the post card below for comments from Tom.

Tom has also sent us photos he has taken with the Iraqi children and adults. We have posted them and Tom's comments here, with his permission. Enjoy!!!

"Two teenage boys late at night a few months ago who were very pleased to receive an unexpected gift! Soccer is their only sport and they love it so the balls really do spread cheer!
Shu kran jazeelan Tom"

"Just one photo of my soccer ball give-away program. This little boy was walking home about 7am with a bag of bread and when I stopped him he ran so fast to get the ball it was heart-warming to see his smile! It was a cold morning as you can see a few months ago. Thanks for your help. Tom Cruise"

"Everyone loves soccer balls and the adults all have children so they are pleased with a soccer ball too!
Ma salama Tom"

"Beanie Babies have been a big help for the little girls...and they are not allowed to play soccer so the babies are a great gift for them.
Tom"

"I visit a prosthetics clinic often and give soccer balls to many people who lost limbs in explosions and the victims are seared into your heart and mind. Some might think this is wrong because they are missing limbs, but the fact is the advances in prosthetics have allowed many to still be able to carry on somewhat of a normal life and even play soccer so they lovethe balls even more than most because it shows they can still have a life in many ways. They all are asked first and I have never had anyone refuse and they allhave been very grateful of the soccer balls. Thanks again."

Many thanks to Tom Cruise and fellow members of SAIF. We admire all that you do!

U.S. Soldiers going the extra mile for the Iraqi children!!!!!!

2009-02-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Our soldiers are busy with their regular duties yet find the time to hand out Soccer Balls and equipment to the Iraqi children! Here are some photos sent by our soldiers.

Weiser High School Auto Club, in Weiser, Indiana donates again in 2009!

2009-02-16T03:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the Weiser High School Auto Club for another donation this year! We received 14 soccer balls, 1 basket ball, 9 miscellaneous balls and 4 pair of cleats! They have already been sent and should be received by the children shortly. This shipment was actually sent to Africa where it will be distributed to children at orphanages. Thank you again for making a positive difference in the lives of others!

Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, N.J. Collects for Eric's Goal!!!!!!!

2008-11-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today we had the priviledge to meet Bill Russell, and to accept the donations collected by his 6th Grade class at Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, New Jersey!

And what a tremendous collection of donated items it is! Mr. Russell was proud to tell us how hard his students worked on this project, how enthusiastic they were, and how much interest and support they received from their school P.T.O. as
well as their community!

We applaud you all on a job well done! Special thanks to Mr. Bill Russell and his 6th Grade students for collecting the soccer balls, equipment and gear, for counting the items, packing them and loading everything into the rental van for delivery!

A huge thank you to Mr. Russell for not only organizing this drive, but also for driving the van from N.J. to MD. and back to N.J. again to deliver the donations on his day off!

Our thanks to the Timberlane Middle School P.T.O. for supplying the funds to rent the van for the delivery of the collection.

Above and below are photos of Timberlane Middle School's 6th Grade Class hard at work collecting and packing donations to send to the Iraqi children.

The students wrote messages on the soccer balls for the Iraqi kids!

Timberlane Middle School is part of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District in New Jersey.

The balls were deflated by the 6th Grade Class, then counted and packed into boxes ready for posting to our military men and women in Iraq.

The items collected by these 6th Grade students are in bold and italics.

496 Soccer Balls & 4 Pumps

281 Jerseys & 125 Shorts

90 pr of Shin Guards & 146 pr of Cleats

32 Ball Bags & 30 Pinnies

15 pr Goalie Gloves

70 Cones & 23 Back packs

This was the most organized drive we have ever received! The balls are deflated and almost all of the donated items are packed in boxes that are marked with the contents and ready to be mailed! You have saved us a tremendous amount of time and effort and we truly appreciate your hard work!

$523 for postage!

When our American soldiers receive the donations they will distribute them to the Iraqi children. Letters will be sent with each shipment telling our soldiers that these items were collected by Mr. Bill Russell's 6th Grade Class at Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, New Jersey!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE AND THANK YOU to MR. BILL RUSSELL AND HIS 6TH GRADE CLASS AT TIMBERLANE MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!!!

Towson United Soccer Group Drive

2008-11-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

This is the second annual soccer ball drive to support Eric's Goal by the Towson United Soccer Group. Last year they were known as the Towson Recreation

Council. This year the collection was headed by Barbara Amann.She and her husband, Steve, generously delivered their donations to us. Eric was here to thank them and accept the donations!

Ellie & Claire were Barbara's helpers during the drive!

Here are their totals:

77 soccer balls

6 pr cleats

1 mouth guard

1 team vest

8 pants

17 pr. socks

14 t-shirts

5 jerseys

2 shorts

Thank you Towson United Soccer Group, and especially Barbara Amann for continuing to collect for Eric's Goal! Your generous donations have already been sent to our soldiers for distribution to the Iraqi children. By Thanksgiving some of the soccer balls may already be in their hands!

Kathy & Mike Spurling

2008-11-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kathy & Mike Spurling for your generous donation of 20 brand new soccer balls and 2 pumps! We received them and have forwarded them on to one of our soldiers in Iraq.

Our thanks and appreciation also to your son Eric who currently serves our nation! He has not only distributed soccer balls to the Iraqi children, but has given us another contact so that we may continue to send soccer balls to the area in which he worked.

May you enjoy Thanksgiving Day together!

Redeemer Classical Christian School, Kingsville, Maryland

2008-10-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations on a job well done by Redeemer Classical Christian School in Kingsville, Maryland! We received your generous donations via Mrs. Wendy Scarff. Below is a list of the items you collected thus far for the Iraqi children:

13 soccer balls

36 pr. soccer shoes

9 jerseys

8 tee shirts

8 pr. shorts

3 pr. pants

1 goalie shirt

12 pr. socks

7 pr. shin guards

8 cones

$60.

Imagine the number of children who will be smiling when they receive your contributions! We will be packing and shipping your articles shortly. The monetary donations will cover the postage to our American military men & women who have graciously offered to distribute your collection. By Thanksgiving the equipment should be in the hands of Iraqi children!

It is so refreshing to see young people who give of themselves to serve their community.

Thank you Redeemer Classical Christian School students and families! And a special thank you to a very special lady, Wendy Scarff , for organizing and initiating this drive!

Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project Update

2008-09-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Ian Bilofsky of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania diligently collected donations for Eric's Goal for over eight months! He did an absolutely amazing job and we are very proud to be the recipients of his efforts. Imagine all of the Iraqi children who will benefit by Ian's generosity and hard work!

Ian first contacted us in January 2008. During the duration of his project, Ian communicated with us through seven e-mails as well as written notes in the boxes he sent. During May 2008 Ian's Mom sent five e-mails while Ian recovered from an Appendectomy! Nothing holds Ian Bilofsky down! He was back on his feet again very quickly and continued with his project as well as school and other responsibilities! As all of you who have organized a drive for Eric's Goal know, it is a lot of work. What an amazing young man Ian is, to continue his project for such an extended period.

In "How to Choose a Mitzvah Project for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah" article by Naomi Eisenberger, found on MyJewishLearning.com web site, Ms. Eisenberger advises young people on choosing their own project and on the results they will achieve. Two statements were especially applicable to Ian and his project. The first, "...many more people can benefit from our happiness and joy." The second, "....you will see how many other people's lives have been changed because you cared and you care."

Ian exudes happiness and joy and thousands of children are benefiting from his efforts at this moment. Ian may not be able to see just how many people whose lives he has touched, but I hope in his heart he is rewarded with even more joy! His efforts have had a domino effect - one lead to the next, and the next, and the next!

Ian has supported our American Military men & women as well and they are very grateful, as you can see by the previous posts of e-mails and letters we have received. Ian's contributions allowed us to purchase and send 100 brand new soccer balls!!! The monetary donations also covered the postage for shipping everything he collected as well as the shipping for other soccer ball drives!

Below is the incredible tally of the totals of all items from Ian's Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project for Eric's Goal:

Soccer balls: 67
Cleats/shoes: 17
Shin guards: 16
Vests: 15
Cones: 136
Net bags: 2
Cloth Bags: 8
Goalie gloves: 3 pr.
Socks: 25 pr.
Jerseys: 72
Shorts: 18
T-shirts: 72
Corner flags: 2
Medals: 39
Coaching Starter Bags: 8
Monetary Donations: $1,098.00

Thank you again Ian Bilofsky for choosing to support the children of Iraq and America's Military men and women through Eric's Goal, for your Bar Mitzvah Project. You have done and incredible job. You are a credit to your family and to America! It has been an honor to work with you!

Sincerely,

The Staff of ERIC'S GOAL

Letters From Military Men & Women

2008-09-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here are copies of two letters received this summer from troops who received soccer balls from Eric's Goal.

One group of soccer balls went to good use by our own troops!

E-Mails from U.S. Military Men & Women

2008-09-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy reading the e-mails we have received from our deployed U.S. Military Men and Women who go the extra mile to make a positive difference in the lives of the Iraqi children! Our sincere thanks to all of them!

E-mail from Eric S. 9/9/08

"Thank you so much for the soccer balls and equipment. The children and their parents really appreciate every thing you have done. Watching a parent, local leader, or Soldier pass out the equipment or seeing the children playing soccer the next time we come by the village is gratifying for the Soldiers. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Every kid sees our trucks and pretty much mob us now. The Soldiers love seeing the kids smile and feel like they are positively impacting these children and hopefully making a positive lasting impression. Many parents have thanked us for making their children happier, so we just wanted to thank you. The Soldiers also like the idea of handing out soccer balls because are not replacing their government in supplying an essential services and people are not dependent on us.
Sorry for not responding sooner. I am sending more pictures. They take awhile to attach.
Thanks,
Eric S."

E-mail from Clay H. 9/4/08

"I would love some "Eric's Goal" soccer balls!
please add my name to the list."

And another after notifying Clay of shipment 9/11/08

"Excellent! Trudy thank you very much and i will send you pics and what not once I get them and start handing them out!
how can I tell people to make donations to you guys?
let me know.
-Clay"

E-mail from Marc 7/13/08

"Dear Eric's Goal: I am writing to let you know that we have received your gift of soccer balls, and have given them to the local children who were very grateful. I will get the pictures soon and send some to you.

Thank you for the generous support, Marc M."

E-mail from Scott R.

"Hello, Just want you 2 know I received the soccer balls,2x boxes awhile ago. Just handed out the last one yesterday. I work on a small base, just inside a small Iraqi community, that we even have over 50 Iraqis that work on our base here and have Iraqi contractors that come on base and work. I , myself on the other hand am a cook..... I have been blowing up 2 balls a night and then take them with me 2 work each day and handing them out. They really enjoy them, and they really appreciate them. I guess for the single guy in Iraq it, really simplifies something real important to them. Soccer is their life just like everywhere else in the world, except the USA, lol. Anyway I just wanted to thank you again for letting me pass them out, it was a real treat......they are indeed nice balls, really kewl. Ok thankz again, and I think you are doing a very nice thing, and I think it will make a difference, even if it comes down to 1 or 2 Iraqis that will grow and learn and all that other stuff, that we need to stop hate and just play soccer, lol thankz

Scott R."

E-mail from Jerry C. 6/22/08

".......The Soccer Balls and pump(very thoughtful) were a smashing Hit! God Bless you folks, God Bless you all X 10. What a great idea. Really takes the mind to a better place and time and helps the soul heal from the inside out. I can't say enough about the healing assistance of soccer balls of all things. I never would of thought of such an idea........"

E-mail from Chaplain Jonette E. 2/13/08

"Hi,........ My commander would like to make a soccer field for the people of Iraq. They plan on building the goals. They however need two nets. Can you support this request."

We did indeed support this request! Nine nets were donated by MD SoccerPlex & Discovery Sports Center and shipped out very quickly. Below is a note from this same group.

E-mail from CPT John C. 3/05/08

"Trudy, Thanks so much for your email and for being willing to help us. Those soccer balls seem insignificant when you think about them, but, here in this country, where everyday life is hard, even for the kids, it's an amazing gift that they absolutely love. There's no telling how long of an impact small gestures like that have on children, many whose parents are openly hostile to American forces. It's something that, years down the line, the kids will hopefully remember about American Soldiers, and that might just make a huge difference. Kids love "football" here, and I can't tell you how many ask us for soccer balls wherever we stop. They are in high demand, and it makes my Soldiers feel good to give back in small ways. We are an engineer company, and have some construction equipment and operators, and have had the opportunity to level out one soccer field so far, and plan for several more in the near future. If you have a group willing to donate nets, we would certainly appreciate 3-4 pairs to use on those fields we have and plan to construct. Our mechanics have welded up several soccer goals, and we have seen how much the people here appreciate gifts like that. Please let me know how I can help with the process, you can reach me at this email address. Thanks so much for the help, we really appreciate it!

Captain John C."

NEWEST UPDATE ON TOTALS

2008-09-13T09:20:00.001-07:00

Due to our recent move, we have been a bit out of touch on our blog - please excuse our neglect! However, we have been very busy and active. We will have upcoming posts to give you all information on the last six months of activity.

With great thanks to all of you, we have continued to send many soccer balls and equipment to our soldiers in Iraq for distribution to the Iraqi children. Pictures to be posted in the near future.

Below is an update of our totals since the beginning of Eric's Goal in 2005:

Soccer Balls: 4,551
Pumps: 127
Shoes: 291
Team vests: 336
Cones: 193
Net Bags: 26
Cloth Bags: 30
Gloves: 35
Socks: 462
Jerseys: 887
Jackets: 9
Shorts: 942
Pants: 13
T- shirts: 370
Corner Flags: 3
Electric Pump: 1
Trophies: 4
Kid's Soccer Kit: 1
Medals: 93
Soccer Nets: 9
Monetary Donations (used to cover purchases of soccer balls & pumps & cover postage):
$10,171.25

We have worked with an amazing number of generous and giving people. I only wish the news media would focus on the good of so many - those who are here in the U. S. and our incredible young men and women in Iraq and elsewhere that go above and beyond their duties to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Our thanks to all of you for your work and donations. And an even bigger thank you to our troops who make the time to reach out to the Iraqi people! We are so proud of you all and honored to be working with you!!!!!!!!!

Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project

2008-06-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah is scheduled for June 21, 2008. We thank you Ian for choosing Eric's Goal for your project. Your efforts will help so many of the Iraqi children by providing soccer clothing, soccer balls & equipment, even coaching kits!

Thus far Ian has collected the following items:

Cones - 122
Coaching starter bags - 8 (each containing 10 sm. cones, 1 ball pump, 1 whistle, and a coaching and playing rule guide)
Nets - 2
Jerseys - 55
Soccer Balls - 10
Pinies - 5
Shorts - 11
Soccer t-shirts - 2
Soccer cleates - 2 pr
Socks - 17 pair
Shin Guards - 2 pr
Matching Medals - 39

Monetary Donations thus far, $831.00

The checks Ian has sent have already helped cover the postage costs of shipping donated items to Iraq. Often we have contributions but must wait for monetary donations in order to mail the packages.

We will be shipping over 30 boxes to Iraq this week, containing over 350 soccer balls for the Iraqi children. The donations you collected have made this possible!

Thank you Ian for all that you do! Congratulations on your Bar Mitzvah!

Mission Soccer Ball Update- WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34

2008-05-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

We have received 370 additional soccer balls from Bob Giacalone purchased with donations received from his efforts with Mission Soccer Ball, in Binghamton, NY.

Mission Soccer Ball - WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34

Bob gave us a stack of Dick's Sporting Goods $5.00 coupons when we picked up the donations in New York. Today we were able to use them to purchase 13 pumps. The coupons brought the cost to under $10 for all of them!

We are packing up the soccer balls into smaller boxes for mailing to our soldiers in Iraq. We will send one pump to each of the 11 military personel we are shipping to.

Thanks to Ian Bilofsky's collection (see next post), we will be able to ship over 30 boxes out this week!

Thank you everyone for your continued support with Mission Soccer Ball!

Sam Schwartz' collection for the Iraqi children!!!!

2008-05-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sam Schwartz is pictured above with the many donations he collected for his Bar Mitzvah project! We are so proud of Sam for finding such a selfless project that will benefit so many children in Iraq!

Below are Sam's totals:

Soccer Cleats/Shoes: 28 pair
Shin Guards: 9 pr
Socks: 26 pair
Shorts: 19
Shirts: 26
Soccer Balls: 5

Thank you Sam for giving your time and efforts to this project, from researching ideas to contacting our organization, to collecting donations, to delivering them to our door (with your Dad's help by driving of course!). You are a fine example of what our young Americans can be!

Congratulations on your Bar Mitzvah!

Updated totals 3/08/08
We received another box of donations from Sam and have added in the additional items above. Thanks again Sam!

MISSION SOCCER BALL - Binghamton, New York

2008-05-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

MISSION SOCCER BALL was headed by Jim Ehmke,News Director – CHANNEL 34 in Binghamton, NY
and Bob Giacalone (AKA Hockey Bob).
Their drive on April 24 & 25th brought in many soccer balls and equipment for the Iraqi children. See the amazing list below!
Totals:

Soccer Balls – 391
Pennies – 251
Pumps – 17
Soccer Shoes – 14 pr
Shin Guards – 2 pr
Ankle Guards – 1 pr
Socks – 3 pr
Monetary Donations - $150.00

Many thanks to all who participated in Mission Soccer Ball! Your donations have been shipped in 20 boxes to American soldiers stationed in Iraq. They will be distributing all soccer donations to the Iraqi children for you.

A special thanks to Jim Ehmke, Channel 34 News Director, and his wonderful family, and to Bob & Marie Giacalone for their tremendous efforts. Bob has worked diligently throughout this drive and has promised another 350 soccer balls to be delivered directly to Eric’s Goal here in Baltimore, MD! Bob & Marie also helped to pack the boxes and write up customs forms. And Jim and his wife and son helped deflate the balls while his little daughter calmly watched everyone at their tasks, while seated in her stroller. Jim had everything set up for packing; a room, table, and even boxes.

Also a special thanks to Cookie Kopec, Shirley Crook and Jeanne Redifer who traveled to Binghamton, NY with me to pack up the donations, address them and write up custom forms for 20 boxes! Thanks to my husband Nick for taking the boxes to the post office on Monday and mailing them!

Our sincere thanks to Donna Lupardo, Binghamton Giant Market, Inc. in Johnson City and to Nancy Soderstrom for their monetary donations of $50.00 each which will help cover the fees for postage.

Three Cheers for this highly successful soccer ball drive in Binghamton, NY, and for the entire team for pulling it off successfully - and all for the Iraqi Children!

Channel 34, Binghamton, NY - * Soccer Ball Drive *

2008-03-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Eric's Goal has been chosen to partner with News Channel 34 in Binghamton, NY for a soccer ball drive for the Iraqi children! Please see the link below.

http://www.newschannel34.com/content/missionsoccerball/default.aspx

Our thanks to Jim Ehmke, News Director, and News Channel 34 for this great opportunity!

We will post an update after the drive!

Message from Andres on his return to the U.S.A.!

2008-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

It was a great pleasure to receive a recent e-mail from our friend Andres! He is home from serving in Iraq and is enjoying spending time with family and friends. Below are a few photos of Andres. The first is Andres handing out soccer balls in Iraq, on his birthday!

Here is an excerpt from Andres e-mail, with a message to all of you:

"I wanted to forward you these pictures of me handing out soccer balls in Iraq. I have since returned to the United States and I am now looking forward to spending more time with my family. Handing out soccer balls and being a part of "Eric's Goal" gave me great pride within the last year. Thank you Trudy, and thank you to everyone who has contributed to "Eric's Goal" for your hard work, your thoughts, and your prayers."

Thank you Andres, we are so proud of you!!!!!!!

Monetary Donations make Shipping Possible

2008-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to Mr. & Mrs Gordon Gehring, Bernard & Helen Kopec and Michelle & Rick Morsberger for contributing toward postage for sending the soccer goal nets to Captain Cunningham in Iraq. Your generosity eases the burden of covering the cost of postage in sending the 8 boxes (9 nets total) to our soldiers for the soccer goals they have built.

If anyone would like to make a donation, you may send checks (payable to Eric's Goal) to the following address:

Eric's Goal
4115 4th Street
Baltimore, MD 21225

This address will change in May 2008 to:

Eric's Goal
3160 Sandy Hook Road
Street, MD 21225

In appreciation for all who donate to this cause -
Eric's Goal staff

MSF, Maryland SoccerPlex & Discovery Sports Center

2008-03-08T08:42:00.001-08:00

As per the previous post, Captain Cunningham and his men have built a soccer field for the Iraqi children and they plan to build more! They have made goals but need the goal nets. Chaplain Englehardt contacted us asking if we could help. We sent out some e-mails and Trish Heffelfinger, Executive Director of MSF Maryland Soccer Plex & Discovery Sports Center, was kind enough to answer our plea requesting donations of used soccer nets to send to Iraq!

On Thursday we picked up 9 nets from Joseph Pietanza, III, Facility Manager at MD SoccerPlex! (See photo below for Joe with the donated nets). These will be packed up and sent to Iraq this week.

Many thanks to the Maryland Soccer Foundation, Maryland Soccer Plex and especially to Trish Heffelfinger for fulfilling this request and making this generous donation! We would also like to thank the staff for packing up the nets and loading them into the vehicle for us. The Iraqi children will truly appreciate these nets! And our soldiers will be grateful for your support of their project!

Message of Thanks

2008-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

From one of the soldiers to whom we've sent soccer balls:

"Thanks so much for your email and for being willing to help us. Those soccer balls seem insignificant when you think about them, but, here in this country, where everyday life is hard, even for the kids, it's an amazing gift that they absolutely love. There's no telling how long of an impact small gestures like that have on children, many whose parents are openly hostile to American forces. It's something that, years down the line, the kids will hopefully remember about American Soldiers, and that might just make a huge difference. Kids love "football" here, and I can't tell you how many ask us for soccer balls wherever we stop. They are in high demand, and it makes my Soldiers feel good to give back in small ways. We are an engineer company, and have some construction equipment and operators, and have had the opportunity to level out one soccer field so far, and plan for several more in the near future. If you have a group willing to donate nets, we would certainly appreciate 3-4 pairs to use on those fields we have and plan to construct. Our mechanics have welded up several soccer goals, and we have seen how much the people here appreciate gifts like that.

Thanks so much for the help, we really appreciate it!

Captain John Cunningham"

Notes from our Troops!!!!!!

2008-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here are two recent notes we received from our troops who distribute your donations. They give us all incentive to continue with this worthy project!

The first was received after a shipment of Soccer balls to Chaplain Simmons in Afghanistan!

And this letter is from Chaplain Bartels who is stationed in Iraq:

Many thanks to Chaplain Simmons & Chaplain Bartels and to all of our troops. We appreciate all you do everyday to serve our country and the extra time you put in to help the Iraqi children as well.

Olmstead Falls Boys Soccer Team, Olmstead Ohio

2008-02-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Olmstead Falls Boys Soccer Team, from Olmstead Ohio, and Head Soccer Coach James Walchanowicz have made a very generous donation to Eric's Goal!

Their contribution of 61 jerseys and 37 pair of shorts will be sent to Iraq in care of Chaplain Englehardt, for distribution to the Iraqi children.

Coach Walchanowicz is also helping us to locate soccer nets to donate to the Iraqi children. Chaplain Englehardt's commander has requested nets for goals they are making for a soccer field for the Iraqi people. We will keep you posted on the progress in this area. Any photos received will be posted as well.

Thank you Olmstead Falls Boys Soccer Team and Coach Walchanowicz! We are proud to have so many fine young Americans join us in this project to help the Iraqi children and bolster Iraqi and American relationships!

List of donations

2008-02-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

We've listed the people who have made donations for Eric's Goal here but we also wanted to give an update on exactly what has been donated. There will be a permanent link to this list under Links on the left side of the page.

We did not achieve 5,000 balls by the end of 2006 but we continue to collect soccer balls and other equipment to send to Iraqi children through our troops in the field. Here is the very impressive list of donated equipment:

Soccer balls: 3,567
Pumps 96
Pairs of indoor shoes or cleats: 211
Shin guards: 163
Team vests: 70
Cones: 57
Net bags: 24
Cloth bags: 15
Goalie Gloves: 32
Socks: 408
Jerseys: 789
Jackets: 9
Shorts: 905
Pants: 13
T-shirts: 296
Corner flags: 1
Electric pumps: 1
Trophies: 4
Kids soccer kit: 1
Athletic supports: 1
Medals: 63
Compression sleeve: 1
Donations: $8,216.24 (used to pay postage and purchase equipment)

Thanks for all of the generosity!

Last updated: 2/15/08

Berkeley Jets Soccer Team

2008-01-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

Tim Wagner and fellow Berkeley Jets (Berkeley, CA) team mates have made contributions to Eric's Goal several times now! In 2007 they collected monetary donations which were used to purchase and ship soccer balls to our soldiers in Iraq. In late 2007 Tim collected uniforms for the Iraqi children and they were sent just last week.

Thank you Berkeley Jets, and especially Tim Wagner for your continued support! It is great to see donations coming from generous people across America, from coast to coast!

Weiser High School Auto Club Donation!!

2008-01-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

We received a donation all the way from Idaho! The "knucklebusters" of the Weiser High School Auto Club got together with the help of their advisor, Don Schultz to collect soccer balls for the Iraqi children. They sent us 15 soccer balls, 2 jerseys, 1 ball pump, 3 basketballs & 1 playground ball!

Thank you knucklebusters! Your donations have been sent to American military personel for distribution to the Iraqi children!

More equipment distributed to kids!

2007-12-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

We received an email today regarding the soccer balls and equipment that we recently sent out to various US soldiers around Iraq. James, a friend of Eric's currently deployed in Iraq, was sent seven boxes of soccer balls, cleats, shin guards, jerseys, shorts, socks and other equipment to distribute.

He tells us that the equipment arrived safely and he and his men started distributing it as soon as possible.

James says "We distributed the soccer equipment through the Neighborhood Administrative Council in our area last week. A local soccer team received most of the equipment, particularly the shin guards, cleats, and group equipment, and we passed out the remainder to other local kids and teens. The Iraqi Army also helped out."

He goes on to say "We received a very positive response, and it's helped us out a lot by strengthening our relationship with the local government."

Thanks so much to James and his men for their help in distributing equipment and soccer balls to the kids of Iraq. It's so great to hear that the Iraqi Army was also helping and that it was a team effort to distribute the equipment!

Message from a soldier:

2007-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Even during this holiday season, our military are not only protecting our country, but taking time out to hand out soccer balls to the Iraqi children. Below is a quote from one of the soldiers we recently sent soccer balls to. Adam is employing the assistance of Marines to distribute the balls we sent to him.

"You guys are doing great things. Obviously you can see only so much in a picture; to see/feel these children’s faces light up when they see a soccer ball is something that cannot be conveyed in a picture or words. You have brought joy to the lives of so many that are less fortunate than us. Keep up the good work and please pass along my gratitude to my other friends at ERIC’S GOAL, INC.

Sincerely, Adam"

Adam is going to send photos once they are forwarded to him, and we will post them for you!

Many thanks to Adam and to his U. S. Marine friends as well! May you all have a safe and Merry Christmas! And may you know how much we all appreciate you today and every day!

Pics from latest ball packing party

2007-11-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Last week we descended on the Roles household to deflate and pack up many boxes to send out to soldiers. We had ourselves a little ball packing party and I took some pics to share. Eric's sister Jacki and cousin, Vicky and her fiance Josh all helped out Trudy and I. Even our puppy Qase helped out some! We had a lot of fun packing up the boxes and deflating those balls!

Trudy and I mailed the boxes on Saturday lunchtime; we had 10 boxes to send out. Luckily the post office wasn't very busy so we didn't inconvenience too many people with our LARGE items to mail. We did get some funny looks carting the 10 boxes into the post office!! And we still have 20 boxes to send!

Pete Noell's Fantastic Collection for Eric's Goal

2007-11-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Pete Noell who lives near Philadelphia, PA collected a van load of soccer balls, uniforms and equipment for the Iraqi children!
Many thanks to Pete, the Langhorne Athletic Assoc, Mapel Point Middle School, and Pete's friend at Boeing for their contributions! Check out the chart below with the listing of all of the donations collected!

Pete's son Nick, who is a Langhorne striker, helped with the collection. And his daughter Kristin wrote "Peace" in English and Arabic on the soccer balls! Our thanks to Nick & Kristin for their participation in this incredible collection!

This brings our total number of soccer balls collected for the Iraqi children to 3,552!
Many thanks to Pete, Nick & Kristin Noell, Pete's friend from Boeing, Mapel Point Middle School and the Langhorne Athletic Association for your generous donations! Our thanks to each individual for your contribution. You will brighten the lives of many Iraqi children!

Harford Community College Women's Soccer Team Collection

2007-10-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to Dana Casey who organized a collection at Harford Community College, in Harford County, Maryland. We received 20 soccer balls, 4 pair of cleats, and 1 pair of shin guards!

More goodies for the Iraqi children! Thank you Dana and Harford Community College!

Towson Recreation Council - Girls Soccer Teams - Donations update!

2007-10-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Again we would like to thank Jennifer Bolster and the TRC Girls Soccer Teams for their huge collection soccer balls and equipment for the Iraqi kids! Here are the totals of their donations:

215 soccer balls, 9 other balls, 1 baseball glove, 4 net bags, 1 cloth bag, 16 pr. shin guards, 3 pr ankle guards, 10 pr goalie gloves, 10 cones, 8 pair cleats, 8 pennies, 5 caps, 83 t-shirts, 1 pr pants, 65 jerseys, 263 pr soccer shorts, 29 pr socks

The Iraqi children will be enjoying all of the donations that the American military will be delivering. Thank you again!!!!!!!!!

Press Release from Operation Iraqi Freedom

2007-10-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Pete Noell brought this article to my attention and thought we should share it on the blog. I agree! I also enjoyed many other press releases and articles about the good work our troops are doing in Iraq on the Operation Iraqi Freedom website. It is rewarding to think of all the good that will come of our combined efforts! Thank you everyone for your support!

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070921-08
September 21, 2007

Zafaraniyah youths get soccer balls, uniforms
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq — Youth soccer teams in the Zafaraniyah section of eastern Baghdad have a new set of equipment and uniforms thanks to Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, joined with their counterparts from the 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division to distribute uniforms and soccer balls to children on Zafaraniyah soccer teams Sept. 16. Each team received 15 sets of uniforms and three soccer balls. A 9th IA training officer, Lt. Col. Adel Salaam, made the presentation.

“By handing out this soccer equipment to the children of Zafaraniyah, we can build spirit between the children of the area,” Salaam said. “It is one of the ways to get close to the Iraqi citizens and to build a strong relationship between us.”

He noted that sports can help bridge differences.

“We consider soccer to be the best way to foster attachment to the Iraqi community,” Salaam said. “We are working on another plan to distribute stationery to the school children.”

-30-

FOR QUERIES, CONTACT MULT-NATIONAL DIVISION - BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MNDB_PAO_CIC@MND-B.ARMY.MIL This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT COMMERCIAL (914) 822-8174 OR IRAQNA 011-964-890-192-4674.

Towson Recreation Council - Girls Soccer Teams Collection

2007-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Bolster who is the Girls Soccer Co-Commisioner for Towson (Maryland) Rec Council, headed up a huge soccer ball and equipment collection on September 15, 2007. Many thanks to Jennifer, her children Clare & Nicholas, and all of the parents and kids who brought their donations to the games on that sunny & windy Saturday! We haven't yet counted up the bounty of goodies collected, but will post when we do. The tally board will give you an idea of the amount of equipment collected (see picture)!

Thank you again Jennifer for all of your work coordinating this event! We had a wonderful time meeting all of the soccer players and their parents. Their donations will make many, many Iraqi children happy!

A special thanks to the Bloomberg School of Public Health and Cathleen Church-Balin for their generous donations as well!

More to come regarding totals from this Soccer Ball Drive for the Iraqi children!

Soldiers reaching out to Iraqi children

2007-08-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

"I wanted to let you know that I did receive your package with the 15 soccer balls and the pump. We have had a great time handing out the soccer balls and all of the kids are ecstatic when we hand them out! Please send more soccer balls and I will continue to forward you more pictures!

Regards,

Andres"

Letters from Soldiers

2007-07-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

"Yes we would love to give these items out.
Send what you can and I will hand them out through various resources.

Thanks for your support!"

v/r
MSG Lorrie Nichols

I appreciate all of your efforts to support my platoon and the soldiers here. It is very helpful to have the soccer balls available for use to distribute to kids and teens here. There is one child who I still owe a couple balls to, I will try to remember to get a picture of him receiving the balls for your website. I did in fact get all 16 boxes about a month ago and gave them to a couple of the interpreters who have started soccer leagues in their home towns. We continue to receive boxes, if I ever get too many, I just pass the extra on to someone else here on the FOB who can use them.

I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but we have been extremely busy with some things going on in sector. I continue to be impressed with the support offered by people back home. I have received care packages from people I do not even know. I truly do appreciate all of the support.

Thanks Again,
Corey

"I want to say what your doing is awesome. There are a million things that divide the Iraqi people and only one thing that brings them together. It is truly amazing but everyone in Iraq will come together for soccer. I know we could give out balls, short, and jerseys for sure. The other thing that I have always thought was we need to give them air pumps for the balls too. When we got here we found a storage closet full of book bags with school supplies and soccer balls the last unit left behind. We gave them all out in the first three months of our deployment. But for all those soccer balls we gave out we did not have any air pumps to give out. Its a little thing but might help."

SGT Gypsy Mur'Ray
...and in a later e-mail...."The kids loved the Balls and the Jerseys. Thank You!"

World T.E.A.M. Sports 2007

2007-05-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

World T.E.A.M. (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) Sports, Face of America bike ride to honor our wounded soldiers was a huge success!!!!!! So far $103,000.00 has been raised for this event! The monies collected paid for “all the costs of the active duty participants, including accommodations, food, outreach, providing usage of bikes, cycling clinics, and all other costs associated with the ride”. This ride was “an opportunity to welcome these disabled servicemen and women, and able-bodied servicemen and women, as teammates and show them how much we appreciate their efforts”. The funds also covered the cost of “flying severely injured servicemen in from all over the country, including a group from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and discharged severely injured servicemen from various places across the country.” It was an honor to participate in this event. Many, many thanks to those of you who were able to contribute by sponsoring me and Nick. We truly appreciate everyone’s support of our servicemen and women and the support and encouragement we received from all of you.

There were people representing all factions of our military. Some of the wounded were above knee amputees, below knee amputees, an upper extremity (arm) amputee, paraplegics who road recumbent trikes with arm controls, and others with other various injuries. We met Artie, who is a 63 year old Vietnam veteran who was shot in the chest, arm & abdomen. He recovered well but later developed MS (Multiple Sclerosis). He lives in Denver and this was the first ride of the year for him! Artie is an old Army Ranger so it was easy to strike up a conversation with him by telling him our son is an Army Ranger too. He showed us photos of himself and other soldiers prior to his injuries. He is probably the most positive, upbeat man I have ever met. People literally gravitate to him. He is an amazingly positive role model for all of us.

A young man we met was in a humvee that was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device) and he suffered a lot of soft tissue damage and a badly fractured left leg. He had an external fixation device on his leg to hold the fragments in place and to help new bone to grow. And he had a lot of skin grafts in various places on his body. A man came with a recumbent tandem leg bike and asked if there was a soldier who would like to ride with him and the young soldier accepted his offer. He really enjoyed his ride and said he would like to do it again next year! And that was after the bike pedal hit the ex-fixator on his leg! He also told us all about the many kind people who come to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He said professional sports stars from Baltimore and Washington DC teams come in just to tell the soldiers “thank you” and to offer their support. He spoke about one man who comes by nearly every weekend just to take 2, 3 or 4 guys to ball games. He also told us about Soldier’s Angels and all the support they give the wounded veterans. He said this event was wonderful for him and other men because of “all of the positive energy.” He really appreciated having us thank him for his service to our country.

Dylan is all of nine years of age and he has the heart of a lion, and unbelievable determination and perseverance. Dylan’s brother, PFC Geoffrey Morris USMC, was killed in Iraq in 2004. Dylan’s dad drove him here from Illinois in their motor home. It broke down on the way and they had to rent a van. But they made it and Dylan did this entire ride on his mountain bike! The guys put his seat up high to give him a little more leverage. Dylan huffed and puffed up the hills of Pennsylvania and Maryland, determined to finish! Nick and I were incredibly impressed with Dylan. I met his dad at the end of the race and complemented him on his terrific son.

A group of Marines rode together, all dressed in red shirts. One they called Doc was an above knee amputee. Imagine trying to ride a bike with a prosthetic knee! One of the men with an above knee prostheses had it come loose during the ride. He was walking around with it hanging loosely on his remaining limb at a rest stop before re-donning it. Another above knee amputee was so tired after the first day that he just managed to get his cot set up, take off his leg and then crash onto his cot into a fitful sleep, right after arriving at Frederick Community College. He must have been extremely exhausted!

It was inspirational to watch the men work together. The guys on the recumbent arm bikes and the two on the tandem recumbent leg bike would peter out on the hills. One of the young strong men would hop off of his bike, hand it to another man to take up the hill, and push the recumbent bikers to the top of the hill. Amazing. These same men would usually be wearing bike shoes with clips that make them walk awkwardly with their toes up in the air, like walking on their heels, and they did this uphill! That is inspirational.

Nick and I marveled at the wonderful, inspirational people we had met and how they did more for us then we could ever do for them.

Cycling to support the troops

2007-04-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

2007 FACE of America Bike Ride

While this cause doesn't send soccer balls to Iraq, it will lend support and encouragement to servicemen and women wounded in duty. This 100-mile bike ride is an annual event open to any active duty serviceman or woman (for free) and anyone else who wants to participate. Civilian participants must raise sponsorship funds of $500 and this goes to pay all the costs of the participating soldiers (travel, food, housing, bikes, and any other costs associated with the ride).

Eric's parents, Nicholas and Trudy are both planning to be a part of this year's ride, April 28-29, and would love to have your support. If you would like to sponsor them in this incredible cycling journey (100 miles in two days? Ouch!), please visit the World Team Sports webpage, click on Sponsor Participant and search for Nicholas Roles or Trudy Roles. We will post pictures from the experience afterwards.

We all wish Nick and Trudy well in training for this event and let's hope the weather on the East Coast is warmer by April 28! The bike ride is from Gettysburg to the National Navy Medical Center. Good luck!

Decatur High School in Atlanta Georgia collects for Eric's Goal

2007-03-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Cheryl Kopec-Nahmias teaches at Decatur High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where she headed up a collection night last week. And what a collection it was!!! At Wednesday night's soccer game at Decatur High School, fans came out and donated new and gently used balls and gear to Eric's Goal. Here's the total:

Balls: 68
Cleats: 22
Socks: 30
Players Jersies: 38
Practice Pinnies: 31
Mini-Goals: 1
Practice cones: 28
Shorts: 20
Goalie Jersies: 2
Goalie gloves: 2
Shin Guards: 9

Cheryl said, "It was a good night in Decatur, and people were really happy to do something to help the cause." With the help of her sons; Lucas and Sam, and her parents; Bernard and Helen Kopec, Cheryl packed up over 10 boxes of equipment for the Iraqi children! Cheryl's parents have volunteered to mail the boxes to our American soldiers this week.

Many thanks to Cheryl Kopec-Nahmias and Decatur High School for sponsoring this successful drive! And thanks too to Bernard and Helen Kopec for their help in packing and posting the many boxes of equipment! Children in Iraq will soon be playing with soccer balls and equipment donated from children in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.!

GO TEAM - we have a new total of 3,195 soccer balls collected for the Iraqi children!

Tunes 4 the Troops to help with Eric's Goal

2007-03-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Eric recently met an incredible young lady who has been sending CDs and DVDs to our troops. Her name is Kaylee and she is accepting donations of new and used CDs and DVDs as well as monetary donations. If you are interested in helping Kaylee, please see her web site at: http://www.tunes4thetroops.20m.com/index.html. This is a great way to support our young men and women by supplying entertainment to the troops.

Kaylee is going to help Eric's Goal by supplying us with new contacts to send the soccer balls to.

Our appreciation goes to Kaylee for supporting our troops!

SOCCER BALL PURCHASE RAISES TOTAL TO 3,121!!!

2007-03-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

Our February 28, 2007 purchase of 72 soccer balls and 8 pumps gives us a grand total of 3,121 soccer balls sent to Iraq thus far!

The generous donations from members of Perry Hall United Methodist Chruch and from a group of residents on Maryland's Eastern Shore, we were able to make this recent purchase from Sports Authority. Again we would like to thank Betty Shock and Bunny Barker at Perry Hall United Methodist Church for making this contact with Sports Authority. We would also like to thank the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for accepting donations from local residents and forwarding them to Eric's aunt, Shirley Crook.

SGT John Lucas and his men will be busy distributing a total of 101 soccer balls sent to him in Iraq within the last week!

Thank you everyone! We continue to make good strides toward our goal! There will be many smiles for Iraqi children in the upcoming weeks, thanks to your generosity!

ECAC Partners with Brine Corp for Charity

2007-02-24T06:13:00.000-08:00

Interim Commissioner Steve Bamford (left) and Director of Championships Gothard Lane (right), fill a box with soccer balls for "Eric's Goal".

Gothard Lane, Director of Championships at the Eastern College Athletic Conference in Centerville, MA, first received word of Eric's Goal through his niece, Marine Corps First Lieutenant Ruth Wilson, who is currently stationed in Fallujah, Iraq. Gothard then contacted us via e-mail and within a week began partnering with Brine Corp to send soccer balls to our headquarters for shipment to the Iraqi kids.

We have received 25 soccer balls thus far from ECAC & Brine Corp. and these were mailed to SFC John Lucas who will distribute them to the Iraqi children. Thank you to SFC Lucas for joining our team as well!

Gothard then posted an article on the ECAC website and posted Eric's Goal contact information for others who wish to contribute soccer balls to the Iraqi children. (www.ecac.org)

Below is an excerpt from the website:
Steve Bamford, Interim Commissioner of the ECAC stated “The program provides a recreational outlet from the harsh environment. It’s also a great way for the troops to interact with the locals as they learn from each other through sport.”

As of today we have reached a total of 3,049 soccer balls sent to our U.S. military men and women for distribution to the Iraqi children!

Our deepest appreciation to Gothard Lane, Steve Bamford, the ECAC and Brine Corp. for your contributions! And our sincere thanks to Gothard's niece First Leiutenant Ruth Wilson who has taken the time out of her hectic schedule to think of helping the Iraqi children, and to SFC John Lucas for distributing the soccer balls to the Iraqi kids!

Military Moms & Dads Luncheon at UNO,s Harbor Place in Baltimore, MD

2007-02-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Lite 101.9 FM radio and UNO's Harbor Place in Baltimore for sponsoring the Military Mom's & Dad's Luncheon on Feb. 11, 2007. Steve Rouse from Lite 101.9 invited us to come to represent Eric's Goal. My sister Helen & I gratefully attended. It was wonderful to meet the proud parents of some of our finest young men and women; those dedicated to protecting us and our freedoms by serving in the United States Military. We met parents of service men & women in various branches of the military; Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force.

It was a pleasure to be able to represent Eric’s Goal and to network with other parents who are working on goals to support not only our troops, but their families as well. We were so impressed by Becky Campbell, founder of Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund (www.childrenoffallensoldiersrelieffund.org), who has put her heart and soul into a project to help those not as fortunate as she and I. Fortunately Becky’s son returned from his tour in Iraq. But Becky has not forgotten about those who have lost their loved ones. She continues to be present for families of fallen members of our military, those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for the good of us all. We learned about America Supports You and TAPS, and met Jamie, a young woman who wants to start a support group for military family members of those serving in Iraq and other combat zones.

Many people showed an interest in Eric's Goal and took information with them. One attendee even made a monetary donation; Linda Collins donated $20.00! I am sure we will be able to reach our goal of 5,000 soccer balls with the help of the many wonderful families in our communities who support our troops and want to have a positive impact on the Iraqi children as well.

Georgia Kids birthday collections for Eric's Goal

2007-01-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

Eric's cousin, Cheryl Kopec-Nahmias & her husband Eddy Nahmias have one very generous little boy named Lucas. And Lucas has two equally generous friends, Drew and Virginia. The three of them, all from Atlanta, Georgia, have celebrated their birthdays by requesting soccer balls as presents which they then forwarded to Iraq for the children there.

Many thanks to these generous children for sharing their birthdays with kids who are less fortunate than they are. Lucas, Drew and Virginia are demonstrating to the Iraqi children the true American spirit and our hopes for them and their future.

Welcome Home Eric!

2007-01-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

>Eric returned home on November 20th, 2006 We are so fortunate to have Eric back in the U.S.A. and were thrilled to watch his plane arrive and to be able to greet him in person at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky! The top photo is of Eric and his dearest one, Virginia, who was ecstatic to welcome him home! The bottom one is of Eric and his proud & happy parents (Nick & Trudy).

Eric continues to work toward his goal of sending 5,000 soccer balls to the Iraqi children and has made contacts with several other American soldiers to assist us. LT George Webb, LT Corey Steiner and their platoons are currently receiving your donations and handing them out to the Iraqi kids! Our heartfelt thanks to George & Corey for adding this task to their very hectic, busy schedules. Look for photos from LT Webb and LT Steiner to be posted in the future.
We have now passed the 3,000 mark! As of this date we have sent 3,018 soccer balls to American soldiers for distribution to the Iraqi children!

Shirley Crook continues to send soccer balls received from The Old Stevensville Barber Shop and Easton Volunteer Fire Department on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Many thanks to Shirley for her constant efforts to help the Iraqi kids and to support our troops!

We purchased a box of 36 soccer balls and 4 pumps from Sports Authority using donations from Perry Hall United Methodist Church! We order boxes of 36 soccer balls and 4 pumps each from Sports Authority whenever our donations will cover one box! Another box will be ordered shortly.

Happy New Year to all of our supporters and contributors! We wish you the best in 2007!

Perry Hall United Methodist Church

2006-12-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Betty Shock heard about our project earlier this year and was determined to help Eric meet his goal. Being an incredibly giving and kind person, Betty decided to approach Perry Hall United Methodist Church where she is a long time member. They very kindly agreed to help. Fellow member Bunny Barker became involved and began looking for companies who would help with this effort. Bunny is the person responsible for contacting Sports Authority. She then put us in contact with Alice Clement of Sports Authority, who in turn offered to ship soccer balls to Iraq for $10.00 each (see our article dated 10/04/06).

The ladies were able to place an article in their church bulletin in November 2006 titled Soccer Balls for Iraq Children, which requested donations. To our amazement as well as theirs, the Perry Hall United Methodist Church collected a total of $591.00 for this purpose! They also donated a soccer ball which will be shipped with the next group of donated balls. We would like to thank all of the members of Perry Hall United Methodist Church for their generous donations. Special thanks to Betty Shock and Bunny Barker for your incredible efforts and thoughtfulness. The Iraqi children will be so pleased to receive the soccer balls your donations will purchase!

Haverford Soccer Club Collection

2006-12-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mimi Halligan and her good friend Jonell from the Haverford Soccer Club near Philadelphia, PA collected and sent equipment to Iraq for Eric's Goal!

Mimi contacted us through our e-mail address and offered to help. I truly enjoyed communicating with Mimi over the past month, she is such a caring and generous person. Mimi and Jonell did a fantastic job and sent a total of 35 soccer balls, 5 pr of cleats, a load of T- shirts and cones too!

With their help we are climbing towards the 3,000 mark. We are now at 2,867 soccer balls!

Thank you Mimi, Jonell and the Haverford Soccer Club for supporting our troops and helping the Iraqi children!

Donations from The Odyssey School

2006-12-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

Cheryl Durgin, who is Eric's cousin, teaches at The Odyssey School in Stevenson, Maryland. Cheryl and the students at her school started collecting soccer balls for Eric's Goal a couple of months ago. The children were very involved, making posters to place in the hallway, writing letters to companies to request donations, and asking friends and family for new or used soccer balls and or equipment for the Iraqi children. Although their original goal was for 50 soccer balls, the students far exceeded that amount. The Odyssey School actually collected 119 soccer balls! They also received donations of 2 pair of soccer shorts, 1 pair of soccer pants and $50.00 toward shipping costs!

While visiting Eric in Tennessee earlier this month, Ginny video taped a short message from Eric to the students. Eric had planned to visit the children at their school but he is unable to be in Maryland at this time. So Virginia and I added to Eric's video and created a little power point presentation about Eric's Goal and about all of you, our generous contributors! The students and staff were so welcoming and helpful. One student took photographs and another handled the technical aspects of our slide show. The students enjoyed learning more about Eric and his goal. They especially liked the message Eric gave at the end of the presentation.

Afterwards, a group of students wheeled out two huge boxes of soccer balls and presented them to us! It was fantastic. We continued to be amazed by the generosity of our fellow citizens, young and old, from near and far. It warms the heart to know that this generation of children care so much about others and will do their best to make an Iraqi child's life a little better!

Many thanks to Cheryl and to all the staff and especially the students of The Odyssey School! Our thanks to Cheryl also for volunteering her time and effort to help pack up the soccer balls for shipment to Iraq.

Federal Tax Exempt Status Granted

2006-12-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

Eric's Goal, Inc. has been granted Federal Tax Exempt Status by the IRS! As advised, we have held off applying for Maryland State Tax Exempt Status until we received the Federal Status. Soooo, our next step is to complete the paperwork to apply for State Tax Exemption, which we will begin this month.

We will keep you posted on our progress!

Old Stevensville Barber Shop and Easton Volunteer Fire Department Donations Take The Total to 2,713 Soccer Balls!!!!

2006-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

Between sending the 108 soccer balls dropped off at her shop in Stevensville and driving down to Easton to pick up 40 more soccer balls at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Eric's Aunt Shirley isn't getting much rest lately! She is getting donations faster than she can send them to Iraq!

The Eastern Shore of MD donations bring us to a new total of 2,713 soccer balls thus far!

Our thanks to Shirley Crook for her constant work for the children of Iraq. Shirley is incredibly kind and sweet and totally dedicated to helping with Eric's Goal. We can't possibly thank her enough for all she does. Shirley's attitude is so positive that it rubs off on eveyone around her!

Many thanks to Shirley and to all of our contributors on the Eastern Shore of Maryland!!!!

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church

2006-12-07T04:25:00.000-08:00

Our thanks to Joyce Duncan, DRE and all of the children at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church for your donations to the Iraqi children. I was not able to meet Joyce, but I did meet two of her very special co-workers; Mona Scott, Office administrator, and Martha Clasby, bookkeeper (pictured above). They kindly assisted me in carrying out the soccer balls and loading them into my car. We counted up 64 soccer balls, 2 pair of soccer shoes, 4 net bags, 1 first aid kit, several coloring books, chalk & crayons! The children wrote very positive messages on the balls for the Iraqi children. Some favorites are; "Play", "Good wishes", "Hi Friends", "I hope you like playing", "Have fun", "Goal!!!", "I'm 6" and "Special dumpling I love you". Reading these messages warmed our hearts and we hope it will do the same for the Iraqi children. Many thanks for your donations and happy thoughts for other children!

Donations from Baltimore City Dept. of Recreation

2006-11-26T15:02:00.000-08:00

WOW! What an incredible donation we received from Kay Overton and Gary Jackson from the Baltimore City Department of Recreation. Kay is the Facility Director at the William J. Myers Soccer Pavilion in Brooklyn, MD. Kay kindly let Nick set up a box at the in-door Soccer Pavilion for donations. Then on Nov. 16th Nick received a phone message from Kay informing him of a huge donation from Gary Jackson. Kay had the clothing and equipment brought to Myers Pavilion. Kay then helped Nick and I load up a truck full of donations on Friday 11-17-2006! What an exciting morning! Just after unloading the truck, we left with Virginia for Tennessee to welcome Eric home from Iraq!

Finally we have everything sorted out, counted up, and placed in boxes. We need to finish packing them up and then mail them. The list of donations is as follows:

Soccer shorts: 239, Jerseys: 186, T-Shirts: 101, Soccer balls: 17, Shin Guards: 18pr, Soccer Shoes: 1pr, Goalie Gloves: 3pr, Socks: 19pr, net bags: 2, as well as some miscellaneous items including a soccer hand held game & Chinese checkers.

Isn’t this remarkable? It took a day and a half just to sort and count everything! We filled 15 boxes! We are so grateful to Kay Overton and Gary Jackson for making this generous contribution to Eric’s Goal for the Iraqi children!

New pictures from Iraq!

2006-11-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

Last night when I came home from work, a lovely surprise was waiting for me in my mailbox: not only was there a letter from Eric, but he has also enclosed several photos of some of the soccer teams that have been organized in his area! He told me that his interpreters, or 'terps' as they are called, have helped in handing out the eqiupment that we have been sending, and have had a big hand in getting these soccer teams organized.

Doesn't everyone look awesome in their uniforms?

Seeing these photos really has an impact on us back home here in the USA. We can see where the fruits of our labor are ending up. We can see where all the wonderful donations from so many amazing people are going. And we can see the smiles on the faces of the youngsters who are so happy to be receiving the things we are sending. It really reinforces our resolve to keep gathering and sending as many soccer balls and equipment as possible.

If these kids in this area are organizing soccer teams and leagues, just think of the ripple effect throughout Iraq when we start to ship soccer balls and equipment to various areas of the country! There are so many potential junior soccer teams out there! There are so many kids who can't wait to be on a team, can't wait to play soccer, can't wait to get the soccer ball that is meant just for them!

Thank you again to the many many people who have made it possible for these pictures to be taken. I hope your hearts are warmed when you see the good you are bringing to the children of Iraq.

WNAV 1430 Radio Annapolis Veterans Days Special

2006-11-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

So today I was invited to the afternoon segment of the Veterans Day Special at our local radio station in Annapolis! It was wonderful! I got to meet a soldier who served in World War II, in the same unit that Eric is in now, and I got to meet a friendly General who was also visiting.

Jane Schlegel, the news director, interviewed me and we spoke about Eric being at war, the different things he has dealt with this past year, and the different ways that Eric's Goal is helping not only the Iraqi children, but also the American soldiers.

I directed the listeners to this blog (so "HI!" to anyone visiting from Annapolis!) and to the email address so hopefully we will get a good response from the Annapolis area.

It was a pleasure and a priveledge to be invited to the show and I was so proud to talk about Eric and Eric's Goal this Veterans Day!

Nearing the Half Way Point!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

We are nearing the ½ way point with a new total of 2,484 soccer balls!!! We have just purchased 324 soccer balls from Alice Clement at Sports Authority. We used the generous donations received from;

American Legion Kent Island Post #278
Operation Labor of Love
Kent Island Elks Lodge #2576
Customers of The Old Stevensville Barber Shop

The balls will be shipped to LT George Webb and LT Corey Steiner, two incredible soldiers currently serving our country in different areas of Iraq. Our thanks go out to George, Corey and their platoons for taking their own time to do something special for the Iraqi children!

Thanks again to all of our contributors! We couldn’t do this without you!!!!

Easton Volunteer Fire Department, MD - new drop off location for Eric's Goal

2006-10-29T09:39:00.001-08:00

Shirley has received several calls from people who are interested in donating a soccer ball but live miles from Stevensville, MD where her barber shop is located. Someone suggested we locate a facility to provide us with a drop of location in the Easton area of MD's Eastern Shore.

On Wed 10-24-06, Shirley and Trudy drove down to Easton, MD. Their first stop was Easton Volunteer Fire Department. Here they introducted themselves and Eric's Goal to Carol Prettyman, Administrator. They could not have been received in a friendlier, more helpful way. Carol obtained permission to assist us. Then, Larry, the secretary suggested a local place to purchase a large box and this was placed in the lobby. The men plan to wrap the box in white paper and post our posters and newspaper article on it for all who are interested to see.

You can now drop off soccer balls and or equipment at the:

EASTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
315 Aurora Park Drive
Easton, MD 21601

Monday through Friday, 7AM to 11PM

Thank you Carol and all of the members of Easton Volunteer Fire Department!

Easton Volunteer Fire Department, MD - new drop off location for Eric's Goal

2006-10-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

3 - K Day for Eric's Goal!!!!!!!

2006-10-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

October 24, 2006 was a huge day for Eric's Goal! We received over $3,000 in donations from three major contributors.

First, Shirley Crook called to say she received a check from the American Legion Kent Island (MD) Post #278! A gentleman came into The Old Stevensville Barber Shop and gave Shirley this very generous donation!

Next, Ginny called to say she received another incredible donation in the form of a check from Tammie Gates with Operation Labor of Love (see post on blog), at our PO Box in Annapolis, MD!

And last but not least, I arrived home from work to find yet a third fabulous donation, a substancial check had arrived in the mail from the Kent Island (MD) Elks Lodge #2576!

When Shirley and I met on Wed, 10-25-06, I was surprised yet again with $190.00 in cash donations from the caring customers at Shirley & Charlie's shop in Stevensville, MD.

The checks and cash donations were deposited 10-28-06. When the checks clear we will again use the monies to purchase soccer balls and pumps and have them shipped to our American soldiers who will give them out to the Iraqi children.

Stay tuned for more information on purchases made with your generous and thoughtful donations!

With great appreciation of the American people and their ongoing generosity, many thanks to:

American Legion Kent Island Post #278
Operation Labor of Love
Kent Island Elks Lodge #2576
Customers of The Old Stevensville Barber Shop

....and to all of you from everyone at Eric's Goal! You continue to make a positive difference in the lives of the children of Iraq.

Trudy

Operation Labor of Love

2006-10-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today Eric's Goal received a very generous donation from another group of people with big hearts who have been working hard this year to provide Iraqi children with toys. Their project is called Operation Labor of Love (www.operationlaboroflove.com) and was started by Tammie Gates, who's husband was recently deployed in Iraq.

Tammie and her friends set a specific timeline on their operation and worked hard all summer to collect and send toys and other equipment over to Iraq. As their operation started to wind down, Tammie was left with quite a chunk of change and decided to donate it to Eric's Goal!

I met Tammie through the MSSN - Military Spouse Support Network (www.militaryspousesupport.net) which is a forum I belong to, to give and get support from women who are in the same situation as me; having our dearly beloved 'significant others' away at war. I had posted about Eric's Goal onto the MSSN and Tammie contacted me for suggestions on how to run her operation.

We traded some tips and ideas and both operations have ultimately been very successful, which really shows how gracious and supportive the American public can be! Thanks so much to Tammie and all those who worked so hard on Operation Labor of Love. Thank you for thinking of Eric's Goal; we will be able to buy a lot of soccer balls with your generous donation!

Now YOU can Order Soccer Balls for Eric's Goal through The Sports Authority

2006-10-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Interested in sending a ball or two to an Iraqi child? It couldn't be easier! For $10 you can send a Mikasa soccer ball to Iraq. An American soldier will deliver it to an Iraqi child for you!

Just contact Alice Clement at The Sports Authority and she will take your order. Be sure to tell Alice that this is for Eric's Goal so she can notify us of your donation and we can add you name to our Honoring Supporters List, and your donation to our tally. Alice can be reached at aclement@thesportsauthority.com. Or you can call in your order at 720-475-2265. This is a tax free order and shipping charges are included. Orders are combined until they total 36 soccer balls. At that point a box of 36 Mikasa soccer balls and 4 pumps will be shipped to one of the American troops listed under Eric's Goal.

Our thanks go out to Alice Clement, The Sports Authority and Mikasa for their incredible generosity!

If you would like to make a monetary donation or have new or used soccer balls and or equipment to donate, please contact us at our e-mail address or the PO Box listed under CONTACT US under Links (on left).

Blue jeans for soccer balls: A fair trade!

2006-10-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

At Booz Allen Hamilton in MD (a global consulting firm headquartered in McLean, Virginia) the employees normally wear the usual office attire. But once a month they have a Jeans Day. On that day, everyone who wants to wear jeans pays $2. The collected funds are then donated to a pre-selected charity. Thanks to Booz Allen employee Summit Sampat, Eric's Goal was the charity chosen for July's Jeans Day!

Summit learned about Eric's Goal through his good friend Ginny (Eric's fiancee) and decided to nominate us for the Jeans Day collection. The Jeans Day was a huge success, with Booz Allen Hamilton employees donating $295 for Eric's Goal! While the cost of participating in Jeans Day was $2, many people donated far more. Eric's Goal used this money to buy soccer balls and equipment as well as to pay for postage.

Our thanks to Summit and everyone at Booz Allen Hamilton! We applaud your monthly efforts to donate funds to worthy causes. Thank you for helping us to work toward Eric's Goal of 5,000 soccer balls for the Iraqi children! Your support is greatly appreciated and will help tremendously in our efforts.

VFW, Grasonville Memorial Post #7464

2006-10-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Our Veterans of Foreign Wars, Grasonville Memorial Post #7464 on Maryland's Eastern Shore, generously donated $250.00 to Eric's Goal. We recently combined this with other monies in our account and purchased 36 soccer balls and 4 pumps for our young Iraqi friends.

This is the first shipment to go a soldier other than Eric. Instead, they were sent to Eric's very good friend, George. We will be mailing shipments to various soldiers in different areas of Iraq, all for distribution to the children!

Combined with a recent donation from the Ebmeir Family in Forest Hill, MD, this brings our total to 2,150 soccer balls sent to Iraq since the inception of our project in March of this year!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to VFW Post #7464 for supporting Eric's Goal, our troops, and the Iraqi children. You continue to honor our country with your good works.

Purchase of 108 soccer balls & 12 pumps with Donations

2006-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today we purchased 108 soccer balls and 4 pumps with donations from the following groups:

The Bryn Mawr School's 4th Grade class (2005/06) - Baltimore, MD - $205.00
Tim Wagner & friends, Berkeley, CA - $460.00
Booz Allen Hamilton, MD - $295.00
Frankel Automotive Group, MD - $155.00

This brings our total up to 2,111 soccer balls sent to our troops for the Iraqi children!

The purchase of Mikasa soccer balls was made through Sports Authority and is a tax free purchase. They will be shipped out on 10-05-06.

We would like to extend our thanks to all of the above mentioned groups and also to Alice Clement of Sports Authority and Mikasa for this opportunity. Your generosity and good will are appreciated by the children of Iraq and the soldiers who have the priviledge to distribute them.

Current Total

2006-10-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

September 31, 2006

We have now sent a total of 2,003 soccer balls to Eric for the Iraqi children!!!!
Congratulations and thanks to all who have generously participated!

Tax Exempt Application Submitted

2006-09-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

On September 27, 2006 we completed and mailed our IRS 1023 Tax Exempt Application and related paperwork for Eric's Goal, Inc.!!! When notified, we will post the decision. Wish us luck!!!

Now we can focus again on the collection of more soccer balls to meet Eric's Goal!

Correction to above date made 10-10-06, application mailed 9-27-06.

Half my heart is in Iraq

2006-09-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Trudy mentioned that I should formally introduce myself seeing as I have only recently started contributing to this blog, so here goes!

My name is Virginia Petersen and I am engaged to Eric. We plan to have a big wedding on August 25th, 2007 here in Maryland, providing the Army does not have other plans for him on that day!

I am originally from Scotland and have been living in the USA for almost 3 years. I met Eric in Colorado in 2004 and although I don't believe in love at first sight, the very evening I met Eric, I knew that he was someone very special and that he would be in my life for a long time.

Eric's Goal has helped me to cope with Eric being deployed. It has kept me busy and helped me feel a little more involved in what goes on in Eric's life while he is so far away from us all. It has also been amazing for me to see the American spirit in the selfless generosity displayed since Eric's Goal was started. I feel truly priveleged to be a part of this great effort. Thank you to everyone who has and is participating; there are many Iraqi children whose day you have made so much brighter!

Best regards, Ginny

Photos from Iraq (Sept '06)

2006-09-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the photo's that Eric left for me on his recent trip home on R&R (Rest & Relaxation!)

This little boy looks happy with his soccer ball!

The soldiers try to make a little time to kick the soccer balls around with the kids

These kids look so happy, which is amazing and wonderful!

As you may have noticed, this is my first post to the Eric's Goal blog! I am happy that I have finally figured out (with much help from Trudy) how to post information here!

Thanks to everyone for all that you do. Your support means so much to so many people!

Employees of Frankel Automotive Group in MD Contribute to Eric's Goal

2006-09-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Linda McArthur, Eric's second cousin, set up a collection for Eric's Goal at her office at Frankel Automotive Group. The photo at right is of Linda and her husband Jimmy McArthur, two special people.

Linda has sent the following items to Eric from the employees of Frankel Automotive Group, for the Iraqi children:

6 new soccer balls
6 used soccer balls
25 sets of shin guards
1 box of miscellaneous items

Linda also collected $155.00 from Frankel Automotive employees to purchase more equipment or help pay for postage on future shipments!

Frankel Cadillac Pontiac GMC - Owings Mills
Frankel Acura - Cockeysville
Hunt Valley Landrover - Hunt Valley/Cockeysville
Chesapeake Cadillac Jaguar - Cockeysville
Mid- Atlantic Collision Center - Cockeysville

Our heart felt thanks to Linda and all of the employees at Frankel Automotive Group for your generous contributions!

Doug Bishop Interviews Eric

2006-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Doug Bishop is not only a teacher, but also a reporter. He writes for The Kent Island Bay Times. On June 28, 2006, Doug wrote the article Have a ball in Iraq as noted in our last posting. Doug's article inspired many people to make donations of soccer balls to Eric's Goal, through Aunt Shirley at The Old Stevensville Barber Shop.

We are happy to report that Eric has been home for a little R & R (rest & recuperation)! During his visit home, Eric & Doug met for the first time. Doug interviewed Eric for a follow-up article which is expected to be printed within the next couple of weeks.

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank Doug for his wonderful article and his interest in Eric's Goal. He has helped us all to join together to support our American soldiers and to work for the good of the Iraqi children as well.

Thank you Doug for all the good you do, for us and others! We wish there were more reporters like you in this world!

Old Stevensville Barbershop, Eastern Shore of MD Collects Soccer Balls for Iraqi Children

2006-08-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

Owners Shirley Crook and Charlie Bronson have been busily collecting soccer balls to send to Iraq. Shirley is Eric's aunt, and when she heard about his goal of 5,000 soccer balls for the Iraqi kids, Aunt Shirley got involved! Soon after the Bay Times ran an article on her efforts titled "Have a ball in Iraq" dated June 28, 06 by Doug Bishop. Doug did an excellent job of explaining the purpose of Eric's Goal and his many connections to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The article boasts a photo of Shirley and Charlie with a box in their shop for soccer ball donations.

Shirley and Charlie have been actively talking up Eric’s Goal and collecting soccer balls ever since. To date they have sent over 250 soccer balls to Eric in Iraq! Shirley said a dear lady saw the shipping people packing up her boxes and asked what that was all about. When she heard about Eric’s Goal she donated $10 toward postage. And a coach who is an old Marine donated $20. This helped pay for the postage and for 4 pumps as well! One hundred of the soccer balls came from Jessie Simmera from the Annapolis Soccer Club and were signed by the kids who donated them. Another 136 were received from the Kent Island Youth Soccer League. Charlie helped Shirley deflate all the balls for shipping. Hearing all about the kind people Shirley has been encountering really lifts your spirits! One story Shirley told was about an old soldier who graduated from West Point in 1949. He said he had his uniform ready but they didn’t call him for this war. He told Shirley, “Tell that nephew of yours that I’m rooting for him!” He served our country for about 35 years. I know that Eric will enjoy these stories as well as the rest of us!

Thanks Shirley, and Charlie too!!! You are doing a super job!!! And many thanks to Doug Bishop for writing such a clear, honest, and heart warming article!

Our thanks to the Annapolis Soccer Club, the Kent Island Youth Soccer League and the Kent Island and Eastern Shore Communities for your generous donations and support!

Contributions from Becky & Bob in Sacramento, CA

2006-08-13T17:18:00.001-07:00

Becky & Bob Connolly are the proud parents of Army Ranger Matthew Connolly, who has already served our country for a year in Iraq. Bob is a soccer player and he put a poster up in a local soccer arena. Together they have been collecting and sending balls and equipment to the 101st Airborne for over a year now. When Becky and Bob heard about Eric's Goal they decided to send some of the donations his way. The first shipment was sent a few days ago and consisted of jerseys, shorts, jackets, balls, shin guards, and goalie gloves. According to Becky, help comes from others. She says, "we couldn't do it without the local community of soccer families and their donations."

The Sacramento contributions bring our total up to 1,825 soccer balls!!!!!!!

Thanks Becky & Bob and the Sacramento community for your constant support of our troops!

And thank you Matthew for your continued service to our country!

Soccer Balls from Peg Michie in MD

2006-08-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

When Peg Michie heard about Eric's Goal, she decided to join our efforts, and that lead her to our dear friends at The Soccer Shack in Bel Air, MD. Peg wanted everyone to know that John McHugh gave her a "2 for 1 deal on the balls, & the needles & pumps were given free." Thanks Peg for the 10 balls, 5 needles and the pumps (which should come in shortly) and also for money to cover postage to Eric in Iraq. Peg included a note with the message "Go USA!". Thank you Peg for your generous donation! And thanks also to John McHugh at The Soccer Shack for your continued support! Eric, the Iraqi kids and the American soldiers appreciate your contribution!

Addendum: 9-16-06
Peg's brother and sister-in-law, Bob & Ellen Herrera generously donated 10 soccer balls to Eric's Goal for the Iraqi children. Peggy did the purchasing for them from the Soccer Shack. While there Peg received a box of 6 pairs of soccer shoes/cleats collected by the Soccer Shack (from the Fallston In-house clinic)!

Thanks to Bob & Ellen for your thoughtfulness and to the Soccer Shack for their many donations of collected goods for the Iraqi kids! We will pack them all up and send them out today to Eric for distribution to the Iraqi children!

Berkeley Donations to Eric's Goal!

2006-08-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

We offer our thanks for the generous donations raised by soccer player and enthusiast Tim Wagner, of Berkeley, California. Tim raised $460 for Eric's Goal in addition to collecting used equipment (shin guards, jerseys and balls) from his soccer buddies. I'm sure the Iraqi children will put the equipment to good use. The monies will be used to pay for postage and to buy more equipment.

Here are some pictures of Tim playing pickup soccer, on the beach no less! Tim is the one holding the ball in the team photo.

Tim learned of Eric's Goal through Eric's brother-in-law Kevin, who was on one of the pickup teams on which Tim plays. Tim continues to make efforts to collect donations for Eric's Goal. His enthusiasm has been inspiring to us!

We also extend our thanks to the following folks, all of whom contributed to Tim's collection: Aldi Haryopratomo, Andrew Brown, Andrew McNichol, Angela Roles, Bill Briscoe, Brad Bowen, Brian McManus, Buck Kopec, Cat Poon, Chelle Stearns, Christopher Kimmins, Chrystal Carden, Chuck Furtado, David Roles, David Stearns, Diego Arana, Eddy Nahmias, Elisa Paredes, Farhad Fouladi, Frank Boyle, Gandhi Ahimsaputra, Helen Kopec, Jason DeCamp, Jason Villasenor, John Freeman, John Mittelbach, Kazusa Toda, Kevin Woods, Kjeld Pedersen, Marlene Roles, Mayumi Levesque, Moni Orife, Nick Roles, Nico Blanchard, Oliver Wienand, Richard Mills, Robert Wagner, Spencer Campbell, Tim Wagner, Trudy Roles, Tyrone Schieszler, Yonatan Godefa.

Soccer balls for a birthday!

2006-07-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is Chris Straka, son of Darren & Rebekah of Georgia, who just had his 4th birthday. In lieu of presents, Chris asked his party-goers to bring a soccer ball (or other gear) with them to be donated to Eric's Goal! What an incredibly generous boy! It's wonderful to see such a giving-nature in one so young.

Happy birthday Chris! And much thanks for your donations of 11 soccer balls, 7 pair soccer shorts, 2 pair soccer cleats, 1 pair shin guards. We are sure the children of Iraq will enjoy them!

Maryland Youth Supporting our Troops

2006-07-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hope Lookingland of the Soccer Shack continues to gather support for Eric's Goal as well as for our troops in Iraq! This poster will be sent to Eric's Platoon this week with an additional 10 T-shirts from the Soccer Shack and a few other recent donations we have received.

Thanks to Eric's Aunt Sonis and his Grandpa Dave for modeling this great poster! Notice the Union Jack in the background representing Eric's British heritage in honor of England's soccer game against Portugal in the World Cup today. Unfortunately it didn't help much as England ultimately lost!

Contact us

2006-06-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Please email us at ericsgoal@hotmail.com to make arrangements for donations of soccer balls and or equipment.

For monetary donations, please make checks payable to Eric's Goal and send to the address below:

Eric's Goal
3160 Sandy Hook Rd
Street, MD 21154

We are grateful to each of you for your help in supplying and sending soccer balls and equipment to the Iraqi children!

The Staff
Eric's Goal

News & a new total!

2006-06-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks to the recent contribution of 57 (!) soccer balls by Fran Duffy and friends from Long Island, New York (including her daughter Meghan Duffy in Wisconsin and friends Patricia Bolen and Brooks Kuykendall in South Carolina), we have crossed the 1,500 mark!! Our current total is 1,528 soccer balls collected. Good work team, keep them rolling in!

In other news, we are in the process of making Eric's Goal into a non-profit corporation with tax exemption status. We have the corporation status, as Eric's Goal Inc. and are working on the tax exemption status with the help of Eric's cousin Carolyn (thanks to Carolyn and husband Craig for sponsoring us in this and helping with research). We will also be acquiring a P.O. Box for donations to Eric's Goal and posting that address here.

This effort has been very exciting and fulfulling for all of us, as we hope it has been for you. We enjoy the personal interactions and knowing your stories. Eric is also able to read your stories as they are posted here and on the family website. We hope that all of our efforts will have a similarly positive effect on the lives of the Iraqi children!

Soccer balls in memoriam

2006-06-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Kristen, Adam and their son Alex have donated soccer balls to Eric's Goal in memoriam of their good friend, Lance Corporal Leon B. Deraps USMC who was killed in action in Iraq May 6, 2006. Each ball is personally inscribed by the family. This is a beautiful tribute to a brave soldier.

"Our contribution is in loving memory of Lance Cpl. Leon B. Deraps who died while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq on May 6, 2006. May you never be forgotten Leon." -Kristen, Adam & Alex Barnes

Here's Alex displaying the inscribed soccer balls.

Kristen is friends with Leon's oldest sister and was friends with four of his siblings in high school. The Deraps family's youngest, Leon just graduated high school a year ago. The Barnes family were unable to attend the funeral of their good friend but witnessed the overwhelming community support through pictures and news articles. Protestors attended the visitation (though not the funeral) but fortunately, the Patriot Guard Riders (a group of motorcyclists who have been performing this function) were there and acted as a barrier between the protestors and the grieving family and friends of the soldier. These picketers represent a specific church and are pushing a particular agenda, at what many would consider an inappropriate moment for these grieving families. A bill was recently passed by Congress (the funeral protest ban) which would limit the rights of protestors at military funerals. The bill is currently at the White House. Click here to read a news story (from May 25) about the funeral protest ban. Many states have passed similar bills to the federal one.

SOCCER SHACK Scores Again!

2006-06-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

John McHugh and Hope Lookingland of Soccer Shack, located in Bel Air, MD continue to amaze us with their collection of donations for Eric's Goal! Today alone the Soccer Shack has contributed another 10 jerseys, 8 shorts, and 1 T-shirt! The equipment and clothing is both used and new. We have been packing up and shipping out the goods nearly as fast as we receive them.

I've done a quick addition of their totals and this is what they have collected thus far:

62 soccer balls / 76 pr of cleats / 24 shin guards
29 team vests / 1 net bag / 7 cloth bags
8 goalie gloves / 49 pr socks / 58 jerseys
2 jackets / 11 pr shorts / 5 pr pants
18 T-shirts / 1 compression sleeve
15 cones / 37 silver and 26 gold medals.

Isn't that impressive? Hope & John, we can't thank you enough. Knowing that the Iraqi children will be using this equipment must make you both smile as much as it does the rest of us, including Eric and the Iraqi children!

Thank you again to John, Hope and SOCCER SHACK for all you do to make this world a better place!

Soccer ball hats?

2006-06-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Chad Brassil, Joyce Besch and their son Benjamin for donating soccer balls to Eric's Goal!!

Chad says that the idea of putting deflated soccer balls on their heads was Benjamin's. He grabbed one while running around the house naked and put it on his head! I guess they managed to get him dressed this time!

Gifts from the 4th Grade class at Bryn Mawr School

2006-06-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Today (May 31,2006) Ginny (Eric's fiancee) and I had the unique pleasure to meet with Mrs. Talley and her 4th Grade Class at Bryn Mawr School in Towson, MD. We were seated in front of these lovely little girls, all dressed in light green jumpers and white tops, and presented with 25 soccer balls, 2 pumps, a big paper check for $205.00, and a large blue envelope sealed with a pretty curled pink ribbon and filled with hand made cards for the troops! We were complimenting the girls on the envelope and telling them how this would remind the soldiers of their little sisters, daughters, etc. And one little one replied "Yes and maybe they can use the ribbon to tie something on their pack!" She was too cute! It was a pleasure to meet these sweet little girls.

Everyone we met at Bryn Mawr was friendly and supportive. Two of the teachers are going to speak with organizations in the Towson area of Baltimore about donating used equipment. One little girl asked if Eric would be receiving all of these soccer balls. We explained that yes, he would, but that many of the soldiers will be handing them out to the children. The students were so attentive. It was a wonderful experience. Below is a note we received from Ms. Talley this afternoon.

Trudy and Virginia,
It was so nice to meet you today. Thank you for coming to the school to pick up the balls. Below is the brief description that should appear on our website with some photos in the next few days:

On May 31st, Bryn Mawr's fourth grade class proudly presented Trudy and Virginia with 25 colorful soccer balls and a check for $205.00. The fourth grade students voted to support the project, "Eric's Goal," among others, using the proceeds from their International Bazaar. The soccer balls are bound for Iraq where they will be distributed to Iraqi children by serviceman.

I'll send the check to you, Trudy, as soon as I receive it. Best of luck, and I hope that Eric stays safe.

Thanks,
Cristin Talley

Thank you again to Mrs. Talley, the 4th grade class, and the staff of Bryn Mawr School, for your generosity and positive comments! You lifted us up with your kindness!

Cub Scout Pack 875

2006-05-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

Our young Cub Scouts and their families continue to make generous contributions to Eric's Goal! Cub Scout Pack 875 collected 13 soccer balls, 2 pumps, and $20.00 for postage! Photos of the kids are posted here. Ben and his sister Sarah are helping to fold the American flag in one photo, at a Memorial Day celebration.

Cub Scout Pack 468

2006-05-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Cub Scout Pack 468 and Joni Elmore for collecting 14 soccer balls, 1 pump, and 3 pair of shin guards for the Iraqi children! We mailed them out to Eric on May 24th, 2006.

Pack 468 is located in Parkton, MD. The photo attached is of the Cub Scouts on the day they placed flags to honor soldiers at Garrison Forest Veteran's Cemetary, for Memorial Day.

Photos of the Scouts can be found here.

Short article about Iraq - and soccer balls!

2006-05-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Slate has a nice article about how things are going in Baghdad. The author of the story traveled around with some soldiers and documents his experiences. It's kind of nice because it doesn't push any particular viewpoint, just reports what he saw, what the soldiers said.

Also cool because one of the soldiers gives soccer balls to kids in the story!!
Here's the link:
http://www.slate.com/id/2142009/entry/2142010/

Add it up... 1,253 and counting!

2006-05-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a little while since I've updated the count, etc but here it is. We currently stand at 1,253 soccer balls collected and the donations continue to pour in!

We have also received some non-ball soccer items recently, including 66 brand new soccer shorts donated by the manufacturer, Yale Sports. On the photos link is a picture of the Yale Sports gang, including Charlie & Marie Nemphos (far left). Charlie is president of the company and brother-in-law of another donator, Tina Nemphos. We also thank Bob Krebs, manager of Yale Sports and the man responsible for putting together the donation package. Thanks Yale Sports!!

More posts to come soon...

Eric's Goal!

More photos from Africa

Letter and photos from Africa

Soccer Nets donated by Maryland Soccer Foundation, Montgomery County, MD

Donation from the Women of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Abdingdon, MD

Andrew DeLaere's 8th Birthday Party Collection!

Preston Durkee of Livonia, N.Y.

Colby and William Snyder from Maryland collect for Eric' Goal!

Tricia Davis' Cub Scout Den, Millersville, MD collects for ERIC's GOAL!

Donations from Ashley & Sarah in Pennsylvania!!

Thank you letter from Iraq!

DONATIONS FROM PETE NOEL, LANGHORNE PA & THE GRAY AND GUENTHER FAMILIES

FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE

LETTER FROM COL. MIKE MOURI

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND AFRICA

Giving Soccer Balls to the children of Afghanistan

Sending Soccer Balls to Ethiopia!!!!!

Thank You to Tom Cruise in Iraq!!!!!

U.S. Soldiers going the extra mile for the Iraqi children!!!!!!

Weiser High School Auto Club, in Weiser, Indiana donates again in 2009!

Timberlane Middle School in Pennington, N.J. Collects for Eric's Goal!!!!!!!

Towson United Soccer Group Drive

Kathy & Mike Spurling

Redeemer Classical Christian School, Kingsville, Maryland

****Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project Update****

Letters From Military Men & Women

E-Mails from U.S. Military Men & Women

***NEWEST UPDATE ON TOTALS***

Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project

Mission Soccer Ball Update- WIVT/WBGH Newschannel34

Sam Schwartz' collection for the Iraqi children!!!!

MISSION SOCCER BALL - Binghamton, New York

Channel 34, Binghamton, NY - *** Soccer Ball Drive ***

Message from Andres on his return to the U.S.A.!

Monetary Donations make Shipping Possible

MSF, Maryland SoccerPlex & Discovery Sports Center

Message of Thanks

Notes from our Troops!!!!!!

Olmstead Falls Boys Soccer Team, Olmstead Ohio

List of donations

Berkeley Jets Soccer Team

Weiser High School Auto Club Donation!!

More equipment distributed to kids!

Message from a soldier:

Pics from latest ball packing party

Pete Noell's Fantastic Collection for Eric's Goal

Harford Community College Women's Soccer Team Collection

Towson Recreation Council - Girls Soccer Teams - Donations update!

Press Release from Operation Iraqi Freedom

Towson Recreation Council - Girls Soccer Teams Collection

Soldiers reaching out to Iraqi children

Letters from Soldiers

World T.E.A.M. Sports 2007

Cycling to support the troops

Decatur High School in Atlanta Georgia collects for Eric's Goal

Tunes 4 the Troops to help with Eric's Goal

SOCCER BALL PURCHASE RAISES TOTAL TO 3,121!!!

ECAC Partners with Brine Corp for Charity

Military Moms & Dads Luncheon at UNO,s Harbor Place in Baltimore, MD

Georgia Kids birthday collections for Eric's Goal

Welcome Home Eric!

Perry Hall United Methodist Church

Haverford Soccer Club Collection

Donations from The Odyssey School

Federal Tax Exempt Status Granted

Old Stevensville Barber Shop and Easton Volunteer Fire Department Donations Take The Total to 2,713 Soccer Balls!!!!

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church

Donations from Baltimore City Dept. of Recreation

New pictures from Iraq!

WNAV 1430 Radio Annapolis Veterans Days Special

Nearing the Half Way Point!!!!!!!!!

Easton Volunteer Fire Department, MD - new drop off location for Eric's Goal

Easton Volunteer Fire Department, MD - new drop off location for Eric's Goal

3 - K Day for Eric's Goal!!!!!!!

Operation Labor of Love

Now YOU can Order Soccer Balls for Eric's Goal through ****The Sports Authority****

Blue jeans for soccer balls: A fair trade!

VFW, Grasonville Memorial Post #7464

Purchase of 108 soccer balls & 12 pumps with Donations

Current Total

Ian Bilofsky's Bar Mitzvah Project Update

NEWEST UPDATE ON TOTALS

Channel 34, Binghamton, NY - * Soccer Ball Drive *

Now YOU can Order Soccer Balls for Eric's Goal through The Sports Authority