The boys’ varsity basketball team traveled to St. Vincent de Paul school in Petaluma to donate equipment on Nov. 25.

Redwood’s team visited basketball players between 6th and 8th grade at the school and gave the students new jerseys, bags, socks, and shoes.  According to junior LaRon Bullock, the team had not received new jerseys since 1997.

St. Vincent is an all boys school that houses children whose parents could no longer take care of them, abandoned or abused them, or have passed away.  The students live at the school, and will eventually be available for adoption.

“We helped kids who have so little, and since they don’t have family close to them, it showed kids that someone cares,” said Bullock.

Redwood coach Steve Compagno spoke with St. Vincent’s coach, who he said he has been friends with since high school, and became aware of their equipment situation.

“Looking back on it, I’ll remember the look on their faces,” said senior Nick Tarantino.  “Because of how surprised and grateful they were of what we did for them, I’ll probably remember it for the rest of my life since it meant so much to them.”

Redwood’s team will continue to stay in touch with St. Vincent by attending their first home game of the season.

“It has brought us closer together,” said Bullock.  “And it shows how we can do great things together, both on and off the court.”