While the wildfires nearly wiped out the Californian town of Paradise, the girl’s volleyball team from the local high school were still determined to play their semifinal championship match. It didn’t matter that they didn’t have any uniforms were equipment from their quick evacuation. They were ready and wanting to compete, even if all they had was the clothes on their back they evacuated with.
However, the opposing team from Forest Lake Christian High School in Auburn, CA were waiting with a big surprise . . . They’d collected around $16,000 in donations, and greeted the Paradise team with new custom uniforms, knee pads, socks, and lots of love.
Not only that, but each player on the Paradise volleyball team was gifted a $300 gift card, along with more supplies and clothes for them and their families.
During the match, the gymnasium was packed with people who’ve never even watched the high school sport before, but wanted to show their support.
Jason Eyer, coach for the Paradise team, addressed the packed gymnasium, “I’ve never been so overwhelmed by so many things I would have never thought possible, and this is one of the most amazing things I could ever have thought would happen.” He continued, “Your community is awesome and we are forever grateful.”
After the match, the Forest Lake team and families invited everyone to a banquet of warm food.
