2 Teen Lacrosse Players Tackle Hunger

LAMORINDA, CA — High school sports came to a screeching halt in March because of coronavirus, and the ban on playing sports will continue through the end of the year, at least.

Two Acalanes High School Varsity Lacrosse players, Zach Appel and Owen Estee, have taken the energy usually reserved for their vigorous sport and channeled it into a cause for good. The teens have launched Lacrosse Against Hunger, trading their hard work for donations to a local charity that feeds the hungry.

Here's how it works: Zach and Owen will give lacrosse coaching sessions to 7-14 year olds in exchange for a charitable donation to White Pony Express, a food rescue and recovery program based in Pleasant Hill that has been inundated with requests for help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When COVID-19 started spreading through Contra Costa County, I wanted to do something to help people in need. Through Lacrosse Against Hunger, I am able to share a sport I love with other kids, while making a difference,” said Zach Appel.

White Pony Express didn't just pop-up because of the pandemic. Over the past 6 years, it has provided more than 9 million fresh, high-quality meals to Contra Costa residents in need.

Lacrosse Against Hunger started a GoFundMe page to collect donations, so even if you don't have a lacrosse player in your home, you can still help two local boys who are trying to make a difference to local families who are struggling. The page has already collected more than $1,200 — enough to feed more than 1,000 people.

“I love lacrosse and being able to share it with others, especially playing for a good cause and helping others during this strange time,” said Owen Estee.

Every penny raised though the appeal will go to White Pony Express.

Read more about Acalanes Lacrosse

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