Kenya-Smithtown Soccer Connection

Smithtown’s donation has special connection 

Thanks to the help of a former teacher, Smithtown Central School District recently donated gently used soccer uniforms and soccer balls to the Hope Children’s Home in Kenya. 

Larry Hohler, who taught social studies in the Smithtown Central School District from 1966 to 1999, delivered the donations to the orphanage to which he has a special connection. While teaching in Smithtown, Hohler received a sabbatical to travel and teach in East Africa. He stayed in touch with one of his former students, Joseph Kirima, who now serves as director of Hope Children’s Home. 

When the AIDs pandemic hit in the 1990s, many children lost their parents and were forced to live on the streets. Hohler and Kirima helped fundraise in the U.S. and Africa and opened the Hope Children’s Home in 2005. Since then, 90 children have been provided with housing and other goods thanks to generous donors such as Smithtown Central School District. 

Photo Caption: Smithtown Central School District recently donated gently used soccer uniforms and soccer balls to a Hope Children’s Home in Kenya. 

Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District