Returning ‘kindness’: Dunkirk sets benefit to help family after fire

Giving back “kindness,” Dunkirk provides help to a family after a fire

The Pacheco family has given much to the Dunkirk athletics community. Now it’s time for the community to return the favor.

After a devastating house fire destroyed the interior of their home, the Pacheco family suddenly needs help. No one was injured in last week’s fire in Dunkirk, but the family lost almost all of their belongings in the house.

To help restore what was lost, Dunkirk volleyball coach Kyle Jarrell took the lead in organizing a fundraiser for the Pacheco family.

What better way to support an athlete’s family than through sports?

From Wednesday to Thursday, Dunkirk athletes from various sports will compete against each other in volleyball matches to raise money to support the Pacheco family. There will also be a bake sale sponsored by the modified volleyball team, a basket raffle and a 50-50 drawing. You will also be able to buy Spanish food during the match. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Pacheco family.

The donation drive will take place over two evenings in the Dunkirk High School gymnasium, each beginning at 5:00 p.m. that evening. The modified varsity and junior varsity teams will collide on Wednesday, and the boys soccer and soccer teams are playing for a chance to play the volleyball team later that evening. Varsity teams will take the field on Thursday, starting with the boys varsity soccer team, coached by Zach Meadows, and the varsity soccer team, coached by Edwin Gomez. Just like last night, the winners will face the volleyball team coached by Jarrell.

“Really all the credit goes to Kyle for organizing this. In the past, we have held these types of fundraisers when the soccer team played the volleyball team, and last year the soccer team got involved. It’s a great time and the boys love competing with the volleyball team.” Gomez said. “We love getting involved with other programs and building this community. This year is a little more special when we can help one of our own. I know the Dunkirk community always steps in when needed, and we are thrilled to be able to help!”

When Jarrell first arrived in Dunkirk, he knew little about the community. It wasn’t until I wore orange to school one day that I realized how much pride the city of Dunkirk had in the athletics community. Jarrell has since said Dunkirk “quickly turned into a home” because of the people he has developed bonds with in the community.

“This community is unlike any other, and it’s the people who make it thrive.” Jarrell said.

Jarrell has since become involved with athletics at Dunkirk High School, where he coached basketball and volleyball at various levels. It was through sports that Jarrell developed a bond with the Pacheco family, including Ema Pacheco, a member of the varsity volleyball team this season.

“I have had the pleasure of coaching Ema in both basketball and volleyball, and every time you look in the stands, whether you are playing home or away, you see Ana, Larry and Jamaladie sitting there cheering on their daughter /sister no matter if they had to drive through rain, sleet or snowstorm to watch the game. Their kindness and perseverance define what it means to be part of this incredible Dunkirk community.” Jarrell said in a social media post.

Jarrell’s post was shared more than 100 times in less than two days. Among those who shared the post was Gomez, who urged his followers to come out and show support at the event. “The best thing about this community is that there is always someone in need! Hope to see you at the football vs volleyball fundraising event.” Gomez said.

Event organizers have moved away from fundraising campaign sites to avoid fees and limit the impact donations can have. Instead, organizers hope that by donating online or attending the event, the Dunkirk community will come together to support their own family.

So far they’ve been right. Within a few days of organizing the fundraiser, $1,700 had already been raised to support the family. To join in advance of the event, donations can be made via Venmo or Cashapp to @DunkirkVolleyball.