The Sheriff's Activities League has been a long-standing community organization offering fun activities and sports to area kids.

The program offers a range of activities, athletic and other, throughout Mendocino County. Currently in Willits, year-round boxing and karate classes are held at Bodyworks Gym; Laytonville is in its fall sports season with soccer and football teams, while Covelo is playing peewee basketball.

Signups for some activities are on a drop-in basis; scheduled "team-oriented" sports usually have specific signup times. Scholarships are available and fees are minimal for all activities. The organization holds fundraisers throughout the year to raise program funds, including concession stands at games, raffles and car washes.

The Sherriff's Activities League also sponsors and supports many events including the 24-hour relay and coordinating with the Junior Giants.

Mike and Kathy Tobin have been involved with the program since 1996 and currently serve on the board of directors. Tobin, a Mendocino County Sheriff's deputy, also is the group's president. Alice Langton-Sloan and Bev Celso serve as vice presidents; Kathy Tobin is the treasurer and interim secretary.

Other board members and group coordinators include Shanna Braught, Lisa Davis, Mark and Melody Britton, Lorin Avalos, Jeff Apodaca, Donna Day, Cynthia Pardue and Donna Rice.

The Sheriff's Activities League welcomes new program ideas for submission to the board of directors for inclusion during a future season. New leaders must have experience in the field they are presenting, and must pass a background check and fill out an application to be considered. Plans must include a specific activity, no "free-play," and have a start-and-stop time and date.

The program is run by volunteers. Tobin encourages anyone interested in helping to call 468-4288. For questions regarding Willits-area activities already in place: BodyWorks Gym, 459-0594.