The Lathrop High wrestling program just donated $1,300 to the Lathrop Police Department.

“This year, we had the opportunity to work with Cops for The Community and the Healthy Room Project, to empower at-risk youth in our vulnerable community by transforming their bedrooms into a safe, inspiring place to give them a new chance at life,” said Mitchell Selna, who is the head wrestling coach for the Spartans.

Cops for the Community is a program that works with the community to host events.

The donation was made possible via paint night fundraiser held in December consisting to the wrestling team members along with staff members and LHS Boosters, sprucing up the bedrooms for the Healthy Room Project.

“As a coach, I don’t believe that the focus only needs to be about sports. Of course, we want to be successful and win matches, but creating a sense of community and helping those in need is also important,” Selna said.

The ultimate goal, he added, is to help the youth become exemplary young adults via sports and volunteering.

“Volunteering makes us feel good because we are making a difference,” said junior Damian Ceja-Ramirez. “It is nice to help people who need it – It makes you appreciate what you have, too.”

Senior Daniel Narvaez and sophomore Timothea Maycon for the opportunity to help out.

“It was an honor to be part of something that makes a difference. As a wrestler, I appreciated the chance to work with dedicated officers. I can’t wait to volunteer more with my team,” said Maycon.

Added freshman Sophia Preston: “Volunteering was a wonderful experience. Seeing the children’s faces light up when they saw their new room was unforgettable.”