By John McCann

jmccann@heraldsun.com; 419-6601

DURHAM -- Around 40 Durham Eagles the other day stuffed themselves inside a 2003 Honda Odyssey to sort of christen their gift presented by DurhamCares co-founder Henry Kaestner.

DurhamCares is a nonprofit organization that's about helping folks in Durham show some love to other folks in Durham -- and around world.

The Durham Eagles Athletic Association is a nonprofit youth football program founded in 1993 by Don and Bobetta Jones. And on several nights during the week there's something like 260 kids sprawled all over the fields at Lowe's Grove Middle School. A football compound is what it is.

But academics are stressed. And good behavior's a must.

Yet what convinced those at DurhamCares that the DEAA deserved the minivan is the organization's commitment to community.

"We really love the way that they incorporate the community," Kaestner said.

Like all of those coaches out there getting after those young'uns on the gridiron. The coaches are grown men with real bills, and they don't get paid a single penny to go out there and work with the kids -- not one cent to show up to their classrooms to make sure they're getting their lessons.

But akin to the way well-paid Duke University football coach David Cutcliffe tackles his assignment, the DEAA coaches approach their youngsters with the kind of vision that enables them to see in the players what they may not see in themselves. So the coaches coach, and coach hard.

"Love the discipline," Kaestner said.

A family in Durham donated the minivan to DurhamCares, Kaestner said. Kaestner and company played hot potato by launching a campaign to figure out how they'd turn over the van to some other organization. Various groups made pitches about why they deserved the vehicle, but it was the DEAA's that reached pay dirt.

Jones said the minivan will be used to assist players and parents who struggle with having adequate transportation.

Durham Eagles coach Dave Potter said despite the DEAA's longevity, the organization still very much is hand-to-mouth in that resources that come in for the program go right back out in order to keep things moving forward. So the gift from DurhamCares was right on time, he said.

"Thank you!" the players yelled.

Those young guys who must maintain at least C averages in school to play even sang "Happy Birthday to You" to Kaestner, who was about to turn 40.

The philanthropist appreciated the love.

"This isn't charity," Kaestner told the Durham Eagles regarding their minivan. "This is earned."

Want to pitch in or participate?

Learn more about Durham Eagles football at www.durhameagles.com. More information about DurhamCares is at www.durhamcares.org.