Cpl. Brian Zinchuk of Bethel is pictured with a soccer ball sent to the children of Iraq.

Optimist club takes on project for Marine

AUBURN – In response to a request from Cpl. Brian Zinchuk, a Marine from Bethel stationed in Iraq, the Lewiston-Auburn Optimist Club voted unanimously to send a shipment of soccer balls to Iraq to be distributed to the kids.

The request originally appeared in the Sun Journal on Nov. 23 when Cpl. Zinchuk asked for gifts for the Iraqi kids for his 23rd birthday.

The first shipment of 20 deflated soccer balls, two hand pumps and several needles was purchased on e-Bay and shipped to Iraq. The club plans to continue the project, and possibly ship balls to the military in Afghanistan as well.

Anyone who wishes to be part of the project or wants more information on the Optimist Club and other youth projects should call 783-5269 or visit www.optimist.org.