Elks sending sporting equipment to youth in Iraq
By: Dick Brinster
EAST WINDSOR The membership of the Hightstown Elks Lodge is hoping soccer equipment being sent to Iraqi children will help persuade them not to become unwitting pawns of violence for insurgents.
"Soccer is a very popular sport overseas, and we’re hoping the children in Iraq will be happy with our gifts," said David Chmielewski, exalted ruler of Lodge 1955. "We’ve noticed that those kids enjoy playing soccer, so our goal is to give them something to convince them not to become terrorists."
So, the lodge is one of 119 in New Jersey accepting contributions of soccer equipment. The Soccer for Safety Program is being overseen by the state Elks Army of Hope Committee.
The Elks are collecting new and used equipment, including balls, uniforms and shoes. These are shipped to American troops, who distribute them to the children on the streets.
"We want these children to be busy with other activities that will help them avoid being bribed into terrorism," Mr. Chmielewski said. "Terrorists in Iraq are using children as part of their plots to lay wire for bombs and also to catch targets off-guard."
The lodge held a meeting Tuesday night to mark the beginning of the drive, which Mr. Chmielewski said would last about three weeks.
He says the contributions could help save American and Iraqi lives.
He added that part of the idea is to convince the children that human life is precious. Youngsters aiding the insurgents are a massive problem for those hoping to bring democracy to Iraq, he said.
"Nobody suspects the children," Mr. Chmielewski said of the threat they present. "The kids don’t understand what they’re doing, so they act if somebody says, ‘Hey, here’s a quarter.’ All it takes is a nominal fee."
Jim Hall, the state Army of Hope chairman, came up with idea after speaking to his son, 1st Sgt. Jim Hall Jr., a member of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, stationed in Iraq. The elder Mr. Hall also is covering the cost of shipping to an Army operations center near Baghdad.
"He was talking about how insurgent use kids to lay wires for IED’s (improvised explosive de- vices)," said the elder Mr. Hall. "Many of these kids have lost their parents and they will do just about anything to get something to eat."
Mr. Chmielewski agreed.
"Without much else in their lives, these children are easily bribed to perform these terrorist tasks," he said.
Ms. Hall said the response to the drive has been overwhelming. As of this week, the count in soccer balls alone is more than 300. The Elks also are accepting contributions of clothing, books and coloring books.
"If we can save one more soldier with this, then we’ve done our jobs," Mr. Hall said.
Local contributions can be dropped off at the lodge at 110 Hickory Corner Road. Further information can be obtained by calling 448-9794.

