Former Mountain Home High School football player Elijah Lagg recently caught his first collegiate touchdown as a wide receiver for the Pittsburg Panthers during their season opener against Miami of Ohio. Fifteen members of his family attended the game to cheer him on, with his mother, Nerrylee Lagg, accidentally spilling soda on nearby fans in her excitement. However, Lagg’s story goes beyond the football field.
The former Bomber is working to raise funds for two foster care nonprofits: The Call in Arkansas and Foster Love in Pittsburg. His efforts aim to bring attention to the importance of supporting foster care and adoption services, which his family has long been connected to. Nerrylee Lagg, who has personal experience with the foster care system, is deeply supportive of The Call’s mission in the Twin Lakes area.
Eric Dwyer, a representative for The Call, highlighted the critical role that the nonprofit plays in providing resources and support to foster families. Since its inception over a decade ago, The Call has helped thousands of children across the state. However, Dwyer pointed out the continuing need for more foster parents and community backing in the Twin Lakes region.
To aid in this effort, The Call is organizing a fundraiser. The nonprofit is selling $20 raffle tickets for a chance to win two tickets to the Oct. 28 college football game between Pittsburg and Florida State University. The prize package also includes two $500 American Airlines vouchers and a two-night hotel stay. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward purchasing clothing and other necessities for foster children in Arkansas.
Tickets can be purchased by texting "blueandgold" to 41444. The winner will be announced during halftime at the Mountain Home Bombers’ home football game on Oct. 2.
Statistics show that nearly 70 percent of children who age out of the foster care system experience incarceration at some point in their lives, emphasizing the urgent need for community involvement. By blending his college athletic career with his advocacy work, Lagg hopes to spotlight the importance of supporting foster children and their families.
The Call continues to rely on the support of volunteers and donors to carry out its mission. Those interested in learning more can visit The Call’s website or contact their local chapter for opportunities to help.