Help for our basketball league

Howdy folks,
Just a quick posting that I had hoped to get up a while ago. Below is a blurb about the basketball league that is organized here by PC Moldova. We have a team here in our town, and are hoping to compete when the season starts in March. As we are one of the most far flung towns in the Republic, this is a very important grant for us. Just transport for my team to the city for competition would cost ~560 lei (roughly $50). Not that bad until you consider the fact that the monthly salary for a starting teacher here is almost the same amount.
My guys have been practicing since late October, even showing up over the winter holiday break, and are really excited to compete. I believe very deeply in the value of school based athletic programs, and consider this one of the most important projects that I am involved in. I know my academic career would have been much different without the chance I had to participate. Even if you pledge $5 that is huge for us. This is almost the round trip cost of transport for one of my players. No amount is too small.
Also, if anyone is interested in donating equipment to the league, let me know. We could always use more balls, pumps, replacement nets...etc.
.Just as a side note to how these grants generally work. This program is not simply a handout to the schools. Normally the benefactors of a Peace corps Partnership grant need to contribute 25% of the cost of the program (our actual costs for the B-ball league is ~$9000.00). Communities pay an entrance fee, and also make in kind donations. This may include gym time, coaches salaries, and utilities costs for facilities. Programs such as this are created in hopes of being pilots, urging greater participation and activity creation in the future. Once it is has been shown that a program can be successful, people are more willing to start similar organizations. Keep reading for details on how to donate.

From the B-ball grant flier.

The Peace Corps Basketball program was started in 2004 with the general purpose of giving kids in grades 8-12 who do not otherwise have a chance to play organized sports a chance to play several organized basketball games. This year we have 24 boys teams and 18 girls teams signed up to play. The will to play exists, but the money for transport does not. For this reason we seek external funding; to assist with the cost. We realize this is no small feat, paying to move 420 kids around a country the size of Maine to play a few basketball games is expensive and we can’t expect any single donor to fully fund such a project. What we do ask, is that people give what they can; $10, $20 or $30 dollars toward the total project cost of $6,108. We sincerely appreciate any contribution you can offer.

How to Donate:
1. Go to www.peacecorps.gov
2. **Click on **Donate Now*** (left side of the screen)
3. **Click on **Eastern Europe and Central Asia***
4. *Scroll down to “M” for Moldova*, you should see the basketball grant there.