York High Student Helps Cambodian Kids

ELMHURST, IL — A few years ago, York High School junior Will Heuer and his family visited Cambodia during a detour on their trip to see his aunt in Hong Kong. He was able to leave the beaten path and see the Cambodian countryside. The tour guide gave kids dried pea snacks.

"As we were driving, we started to hand the snacks out and every single kid was very thankful, and I could see it meant a lot to them," Heuer said on his website. "We kept driving, and I soon realized how little these kids have to do for enjoyment. I wanted to try and and take my passion, soccer, and use it to try and help these kids."

Last year, Heuer formed the appropriately named charity, "Kicks for Cambodia," which is at kicksforcambodia.com.

"Starting Kicks for Cambodia allowed me to combine my desire to help those kids with my favorite sport, soccer," Heuer, a member of York's soccer team, said in an email to Patch. "So far, the organization has sent many shipments over to Cambodia consisting of cleats, soccer balls, jerseys and nets. We have even sent money for the children to buy school uniforms."

The poverty in Cambodia has had an impact on Heuer.

"We as Americans have so many opportunities and material possessions that we take for granted," Heuer said on his website. "We can’t imagine living without our phones or our TVs or even internet. Imagine not having shoes, or a bed or even a house. These kids have none of those things and yet they are still very grateful for everything. These kids have literally nothing to do for enjoyment. Most of the kids were playing with the dirt or the grass."

For more information on Heuer's effort, email moochy8@icloud.com or call 630-815-1937.