About me and my cause: My name is Declan O'Hanlon and I am a Junior at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas. Soccer is my passion and so when a teammate on my high school soccer team, Josh Wu, extended an invitation to join the mission he created 5 years ago, I was quick to say "yes". Josh travelled to South Africa several years ago for a Mission trip and while he was there realized that all of the children where playing soccer in the dirt, with no shoes or jerseys and with deflated balls and non-working equipment (goals without nets). Soccer is the "religion" in this village and if these kids are not able to play what the love, they are likely to turn to the streets, selling drugs or living a life of crime. So Josh decided he could make a difference and has clothed, fed, trained and supported this soccer community every year since, forever changing the trajectory of their future.

About the foundation and it's mission: The Heart Impact Project collects usable soccer gear and athletic wear, supports four local clubs, and sponsors 500 kids to play in an under-served village outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.

I am joining Josh and a few other HS soccer players this May in South Africa, bringing soccer gear and collecting donations for the 500 players, and will be helping serve the community by running a soccer training camp, preparing and serving food, etc.

How you can help support me, Josh, and the mission: In preparation for my trip, I am helping collect gently used clothing (jerseys, cleats, shorts, pants, socks, shin guards, soccer balls, pennies). If you have items to donate in the Austin or surrounding areas, I can arrange to collect them.

If you do not have soccer gear to donate but would still like to help, you can give financially so we can buy equipment directly from local shops. 100% of contributions goes to directly to the children. No amount is too small or large and every dollar counts.

Thank you in advance and I will share photos after what promises to be an amazing experience and opportunity to serve those less fortunate than myself.

I appreciate each of you,

Declan