Following a devastating house fire that destroyed the interior of their home, the Pacheco family is all of a sudden in need of assistance. No one was injured in the blaze, which occurred last week in the City of Dunkirk, but the family lost nearly all of its belongings inside the home.

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

What better way to support a family of athletes than through sports?

From Wednesday to Thursday, Dunkirk athletes from across sports will be playing 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. Spanish food will be sold during the game, as well. All proceeds from the event go directly to supporting the Pacheco family.

Dunkirk’s Ema Pacheco prepares to serve during a volleyball match at Dunkirk High School.

The fundraising event spans two nights in the Dunkirk High School gym, each beginning at 5 p.m. that evening. On Wednesday, the modified and junior varsity teams clash, with the boys soccer and football teams playing for the chance to play the volleyball team later that evening. On Thursday, the varsity teams take their turn on the court, beginning with the varsity boys soccer team, coached by Zach Meadows, against the varsity football team, coached by Edwin Gomez. Same as the night prior, the winners will face the volleyball team, coached by Jarrell.

“Really, all credit goes to Kyle for setting it up. We have done this type of fundraiser in the past where the football team has played the volleyball team and last year the soccer team got involved in playing them. It’s a great time and the boys love facing off against the volleyball team,” Gomez said. “We love getting involved with other programs and building that community. This year is just a little more special where we get to help out one of our own. I know the Dunkirk community always steps up when there’s a need and we are excited to be able to help!”

When he first came to Dunkirk, Jarrell did not know much about the community. It took wearing orange to school one day to realize how much pride in its athletics community the city of Dunkirk has. Since then, Jarrell said that Dunkirk “quickly turned into home” because of the people he formed bonds with in the community.

“This community is unlike any other, and the people are what make it thrive,” Jarrell said.

Jarrell has since become involved with Dunkirk High School athletics, where he has coached basketball and volleyball across different levels. It was through sports that Jarrell formed 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 up in the stands, no matter a home or away game you see Ana, Larry and Jamaladie sitting up there cheering for their daughter/sister no matter if they had to drive through rain, sleet or a snowstorm to watch the game. Their kindness and perseverance is what defines what it is to be a part of this amazing Dunkirk Community,” Jarrell said in a social media post.

Jarrell’s post was shared more than 100 times within less than two days. Among those to share the post was Gomez, who urged his followers to come out and show support at the event. “Best thing about this community is that it always comes together in a time of need! Hope to see you at the football vs volleyball fundraiser event,” Gomez said.

Event organizers have steered away from fundraising campaign sites to avoid fees to limit the impact the donations can have. Instead, organizers are hoping that by donating online or by attending the event, the Dunkirk community can come together to support a family of its own.

So far, they have been right. Within days of organizing the fundraiser, $1,700 has already been raised to support the family. To join in prior to the event, donations can be made through Venmo or Cashapp to @DunkirkVolleyball.