Despite months of fundraising, spring sports in the Mount Vernon City School District are still in danger of being canceled.

District officials say even though more than $800,000 was raised, they are still thousands of dollars short. Some say it is difficult to ask for funds during the current economic crisis.

Some parents say no matter what the circumstances, their children shouldn?t suffer.

?They have to find a way. They are our future,? says Faustina Appiah.

Other parents fear without sports, the students could get into trouble.

The district is facing a $65,000 budget gap. Several months ago, it was forced to cut the sports program from its budget, but parents and students raised money to keep it alive. The district says donations have declined in recent months.

More fundraisers for the sports program will be held in January. The deadline to fill the $65,000 shortfall is Jan. 26.

Donorssave Mt. Vernon H.S. winter sports with $700KSchoolsports saved in Mount Vernon for fall