By PAUL GUTIERREZ (KYMA)

YUMA — Another push is underway to save after school sports for Yuma District One students, but this time more helping hands will be needed or the program will get cut altogether.

Just one year ago, several committed parents were able to salvage a number of activities from the chopping block thanks in large part to fundraisers and tax credits. Back then, volunteers helped rake in about $75,000; a total they'll have to beat if sports is going to remain alive and well for the next school year. According to A.J. Mosqueda, co-chair of the After School Sports Committee, the community should plan to generate a little more than $89,000 ($30,000 by August 1st) in order to maintain the same level of after school sports as last year.

On Wednesday, concerned parents and their children gathered at Gila Vista Junior High School to discuss fundraising efforts. During the 45-minute meeting, the committee urged parents to join campus teams (listed below) responsible for generating tax credits. According to the committee, the most cost effective way to produce the money is through the Arizona Tax Credit Program.

"It's not a donation and it's not a designation. It's a dollar-for-dollar credit for taxes due," said Mosqueda. "In some cases a refund is granted if you weren't going to have to pay taxes."

If you'd like to help save sports in District One you can apply for tax credits at yuma.org or you can join one of the following five teams:

Gila Vista: A.J. Mosqueda (annjeanettemosqueda@hotmail.com)

Fourth Avenue: Juan Gonzalez (jgonzalez@dahlrobins.com)

Woodard: Christina Sanderson (msanderson@yumaed.org)

Ron Watson: Jennette Arviso (jarviso1@yumaed.org)

Castle Dome: Tami Harmon (tami.harmon@pinnacleweb.com)