Las Cruces, El Salvador and Portland, OR are separated by thousands of miles, but they are united in a joint love of soccer and coffee. So, when the opportunity arose for the Timbers Army / 107ist to partner with local coffee roaster Tanager Coffee, Operation Pitch Invasion, and Cuatro M Cafes, a El Salvadoran collection of coffee growers, to revitalize a soccer pitch at an elementary school in El Salvador through the sale of coffee, we jumped at the chance.

The Las Cruces soccer pitch in El Salvador

The Las Cruces School is situated in the mountains above Santa Ana, surrounded by coffee farms. It is the only soccer field for miles around, and is heavily used year-round. Thousands of children, coffee workers & even a semi-pro soccer team share the poorly maintained field. It is more than simply a place of recreation; it is a community focal point & essential to linking families, farms, and neighborhoods together. Unfortunately, the field itself is in need of major renovation. It doesn't drain properly, there are no stands for families and supporters to watch the matches, and its goals and other equipment are in serious disrepair.

In order to raise funds to complete these renovations, we are offering bags of a special Las Cruces Project blend of El Salvadoran coffee. Proceeds from the sale of this coffee will help raise funds to revitalize this local pitch. The project will donate all net profits from the sales to the field renovation fund. The goal is to raise a total of $35,000, which will support upgrades such as:

• Re-grade the field
• Install a drainage system that can hopefully capture the water for reuse
• Replace goals and other equipment
• Build stands and dugouts
• Provide a picnic area
• And so much more . . .

Local farmers, soccer players, and project volunteers.

And as if helping out doesn't feel good by itself, the coffee is pretty spectacular too. Las Cruces Project blend is a great example of the delicious coffee that comes from Western El Salvador. The name, Four Farms, come from the fact that the coffee is made up of a blend of beans from four neighboring farms. Expect to taste rich notes of chocolate and a natural, unrefined sweetness, much like a turbinado or brown sugar. As the coffee settles on your palate, there will be luscious notes of cherry, orange slices, and spice notes. The finish is smooth and long, leaving you to contemplate the project and the field itself, nestled amongst tropical trees and pines in the heart of the Santa Ana Volcano foothills.

Want to taste for yourself?

Join us at the Fanladen (1633 SW Alder) for a FREE tasting Sunday morning, April 12, 2015, starting at 9:00am. You can get a cup of the brew, and purchase some to take home - remember, all profits go to supporting this amazing effort.

Once you’ve decided you’d like to help us support this amazing cause, there are a couple of ways for you to get your hands on this delicious coffee:

• Single 12oz bags will be for sale at the No Pity Van as well as the Fanladen. You can also order them from the Las Cruces Project website.

• If you don’t want to worry about running out, monthly subscriptions are available. The subscriptions will last 6 months and you have the option of ordering 1 (for $20 / month) or 2 bags ($35 / month) including shipping.

So, why not enjoy some great coffee, while supporting an awesome cause?

And, as always, we thank you for your support.