ALHAMBRA, Calif. – E1 Financial Credit Union is getting in the racing game-soap box derby racing that is.

The CU has donated $400 to the Youth Athletic League, a program sponsored by the Los Angeles Sheriffs' Youth Foundation.

Based on the belief that crime prevention programs focused on youth are key to developing safer communities, the foundation works to provide young people with tools for life's success. The Soap Box Derby is one of the many events the league sponsors. This year, volunteers entered a soap box car in the Department's qualifying race with a local girl, Maciel Gallardo, as the driver. Gallardo's car won first place, qualifying the team for the National Soap Box Derby Championships taking place in Akron, Ohio, this month. E1 Financial's donation will help pay for related costs involved in preparing for the Akron Championships such as painting the soap box derby car, shipping the car, travel accommodations, and publicity.