Hey, buddy, can you spare a pole?

Editor's Note: I'm running late with my blog because I've been out of town. Here's a quick plea from STAMPING Journal Editor Kate Bachman that should tide you over. C'mon, let's make those phones ring. DDD.

On the same day, I received a plea from the coach of a youth football team desperately trying to piece together the equipment needed to outfit three youth teams and a press release regarding the booming private-jet industry.



I am a head coach of a Virginia National Youth Football program, the Warrenton Wolfpack. We started this program in our rural area three years ago in order to provide an outlet for children in our community who have exceptional
athletic talent but no competitive program.


Our program has grown from one team to three this year. We have had to find our own facilities for games and practices. We receive no support from Fauquier County. The American Legion Post 72 has donated the use of their field and facilities, and the Washington Area Girls Soccer (WAGS) League www.wagsl.com has donated four poles for the uprights for our goal posts. We are still seeking the cross members.



Do you know of anyone in the aluminum or steel pole community that would give us a good price on or donate two 24-foot-long poles for the cross members?



With having to equip 40 children, we are trying our best to keep expenses as low as possible. Any help would be great.



By season"s end, Coach Greg and his co-coach each spend $2,000 of their own money on supplies and equipment.



Is it just me, or is there something messed up about a robust, growing private jet industry and an inadequately
funded youth program?



Any tube producers or fabricators out there willing and able to donate or sell at-cost two 24-ft.-long poles for this team? The team has a nonprofit tax ID for donations. If so, please e-mail your contact info and we"ll forward it to Greg. Hey, you never know when you might need a buddy.