"Supporting local veterans ahead of the big game, the Calallen Wildcats launch 'Heaters for Heroes'. Initiated by David Salinas Jr. and his son, the high s
International News: Community-Minded High School Football Team Supports Veterans Ahead of Big Game
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A Texas high school football team, the Calallen Wildcats, is preparing for a significant match this Friday, but some players are finding solace and perspective in charity work they initiated. The initiative, titled "Heaters for Heroes," began just over a week ago when David Salinas Jr., of the United Veterans Burial Association (UVBA), was informed by a veteran that his heater was malfunctioning.
### Origins of Heaters for Heroes
- David Salinas Jr. of UVBA heard from a veteran about a broken heater
- The idea to find and donate space heaters was brought to his son, David Salinas III (junior quarterback and outside linebacker) and his friend on the Wildcats team
- The goal: help veterans in need during the winter months
### Players' Perspective
- David Salinas III shared, "It helps me know that I'm invested in the community... for something bigger than me outside of football."
- Skyler Rubio, a senior wide receiver and safety, echoed, "Just to help the community out when you can. Just trying to help veterans that do so much for us, so why not do a little for them during the holidays?"
- Salinas Jr. added, "The youth is our future. So, we got to kind of start guiding them in the right direction and I believe that we’ve done that and veterans are a big part of life."
### Impact on Recipients
- So far, 15 space heaters have been donated to a veteran in need
- Samuel Juarez, secretary and Chaplin of UVBA, shared, "It was something that just came at the right time for them... They said they really appreciate someone taking time out of their day just to make sure they’re doing OK.”
### Spreading the Impact
- The hope is that the charity work's positive influence on the young men will extend, enabling more veterans to be helped
- Evidence of this occurred Thursday evening when a freshman football player, Drayson Gamez, donated heaters
### Lessons Learned
- "It’s teaching [the players] that they can make a difference in someone's life... It’s not always about the score on the field," David Salinas III said.
Title: High School Football Players in Texas Raise Funds for Local Residents in Need
**Local Football Team Initiates Charitable Effort**
In an unexpected move, members of the Alice High School football team have shifted their focus from the field to community service, according to team captain Salinas Jr.
- The initiative aims to provide aid to those in need beyond the realm of football.
- Salinas Jr. emphasizes that there are people struggling who could greatly benefit from assistance, and many children remain unaware of available resources.
**Football Players Lead Community Outreach**
The community outreach program has gained momentum since its inception, with senior players taking the lead followed by involvement from a junior player, and now even reaching freshmen.
- The team's dedication to helping those less fortunate has been commended by coach Rubio.
- Rubio highlights the personal satisfaction derived from providing aid during the holiday season as a significant motivation for the players.
**Fundraiser without an End Date**
The fundraising effort will continue indefinitely, according to Salinas Jr., as long as there is a need and cold weather persists. Once warmer temperatures arrive, the team will transition back to their annual initiative of providing air conditioners for veterans in need during the summer months.
**Getting Involved or Requesting Assistance**
Anyone interested in getting involved or seeking assistance with obtaining a heater should contact Salinas Jr.'s office at 361-668-5715, mentioning "Heaters for Heroes" program.
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