Vista Murrieta Collecting Duffel Bags for Sandy Victims

Vista Murrieta High School boys’ and girls’ water polo teams are reaching out to teens recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

“Representing the Bronco culture in leadership and service, students have stepped forward to lead this relief effort,” said Darren Daniel, principal.

The Vista Murrieta students are asking for the community’s support to provide 10,000 duffel bags filled with new clothes. Anyone who would like to help is asked to fill an 18- to -20-inch duffel bag for either a teen boy or girl with a new jacket, socks, leggings or tights, two-piece sweats or thermals, two-piece flannel pajamas in adult sizes along with a beanie and gloves.

The water polo team will be accepting donations Nov. 13-16 and Nov. 26 before and after school off Creighton Road, next to the stadium, and on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the school’s pool from 9 a.m. to noon. They will also accept cash donations which will be used to make sure every duffel bag contains the same new clothing.

Community members may also drop off stuffed duffel bags Nov. 13-16 at the District Support Center, 41870 McAlby Road, Murrieta.

Once the bags are collected and prepared for shipping, Vista Murrieta High School students will travel to seven high schools in the affected areas.

“Time of the essence; we are hoping the community will get involved and rally around these kids who are making a difference,” said Head Water Polo Coach Shane Anderson.

For more information contact Michele Smith 949-572-9209 or email her at causewecare2012@gmail.com or like the Facebook page Cause We Care 2012 for updates on this outreach.

—Contributed content