NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — News of the alleged theft hit Nanticoke area football players and parents hard on Tuesday. The big question now is, can they make up the $26,000 hole in their fundraising efforts?
Until now, parents 28/22 News spoke with say they were left with little to no answers as to how much was stolen, who was allegely involved, and what was being done about it.
Despite the big challenge, they’re optimistic for the future.
“We were informed about a year and a half ago that our bank account was insufficient; we had a little over $200, which came as a shock because we had been fundraising for an entire year previous,” said Nanticoke 12th Man Booster Club President Jennifer Peluszak.
“It’s definitely disheartening that someone would go to such troubles to find themselves in a spot where this would be acceptable, but we are now just looking on moving forward and getting past this,” Chynna Jackson, the Vice President of the Nanticoke 12th Man Booster Club, explained.
Both Peluszak and Jackson are parents of football players who were on the team when the alleged abuse occurred.
They say that while the damage was minimal, it still caused some disruptions.
“It was kind of chaotic because we were trying to fundraise and get money and figure out what we’re supposed to be doing, what do we provide for these kids,” Peluszak added.
Following the alleged theft that began nearly two years ago, Peluszak says that the members of the previous Booster Club had stepped down, leaving her and the other parents to pick up the pieces.
But despite this hurdle, they realized quickly where their focus needed to be.
“I think the shock of it kind of wore off, and we all just focused on where the focus needs to be, which are the kids,” Jackson continued.
The club provides players with everything from hydration for practices and games to letterman jackets, awards, and banquets throughout the year.
They say the community stepped up and, between local businesses, parents, friends, and other school organizations, the football fund has been largely replenished.
“We’ve always known that Nanticoke is a huge sports community, but it was very nice to see everybody step up, come out, and support us,” Peluszak continued.
Kepp is free on bail and will have a hearing later this month.
