San Joaquin Memorial students donate to others in need

A San Joaquin Memorial student inspired by the story of the film “McFarland, USA” started a donation drive Sept. 25 in honor of Valley students who need extra help to pay for necessary supplies.

After seeing students struggle to pay for sporting equipment, shoes and apparel in the film, Michael Ball decided to act. Michael’s father had grown up only able to afford to play one sport, but thanks to his parents’ hard work, Michael was able to do more.

After collecting items since last spring from friends and anyone willing to donate, Michael drove a truckload of items to Mendota High School on Friday morning.

“It was impossible not to notice their excitement at the items, even though some of them tried hard to be macho about it,” Michael’s mother Kimberly Ball said.

Now, Kimberly Ball says, the cause has expanded to cover more than just athletic equipment. Students from El Salvador attending Mendota High School have next to nothing, she said.

So far, Michael has been joined by San Joaquin Memorial sophomore Julia Roque to continue the donation drive when Michael graduates this spring.

The two students will be passing out fliers Sunday at St. Anthony’s Catholic School Carnival, 5680 N. Maroa Ave.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 9:17 PM with the headline "San Joaquin Memorial students donate to others in need."