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Irvine Youth Raise Funds for Police Explorer Van
Donation will transport teen volunteers to training and community events.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:20pm
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A group of Irvine students, led by 17-year-old twins David and Daniel Zhang, raised about $100,000 to donate a Ford Transit van to the Irvine Police Department's Explorer program. The vehicle will transport teenage volunteers to training, competitions, and community service activities across Orange County.
Why it matters
The Irvine Police Explorer program provides local youth interested in law enforcement with hands-on experience and a chance to get involved in the community. The new van donation will make it easier for Explorers to participate in the program and support the Irvine Police Department's outreach efforts.
The details
The donation effort was spearheaded by 17-year-old twins David and Daniel Zhang, who are both members of the Explorer program and headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Over three years, the brothers reached out to several organizations, including the Boya Foundation, U.S. Leader Group, and the Chinese University Alumni Association Alliance of Southern California, to help fund the van. Bella Liu, an eighth grader and president of the U.S. Leader Group, also helped raise several thousand dollars through charity sales.
- The donation was celebrated at a ceremony at the Irvine Civic Center on April 1, 2026.
- David and Daniel Zhang joined the Irvine Police Explorer program as freshmen in high school.
The players
David Zhang
17-year-old twin who is a member of the Irvine Police Explorer program and headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Daniel Zhang
17-year-old twin who is a member of the Irvine Police Explorer program and headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Bella Liu
An eighth grader at Vista Verde K-8 School and president of the U.S. Leader Group, a nonprofit that helped raise funds for the van.
Kyle Oldoerp
Irvine police spokesperson who spoke at the donation ceremony.
Irvine Police Department
The law enforcement agency that oversees the Irvine Police Explorer program.
What they’re saying
“This demonstrates the amazing partnership that we have with our community.”
— Kyle Oldoerp, Irvine police spokesperson
“We get to meet other explorers and officers, especially on ride-alongs. We get to talk with them, get to know them, learn more about the city.”
— David Zhang, Irvine Police Explorer
“I feel really safe in Irvine because the Police Department does its job really, really well.”
— Bella Liu, President, U.S. Leader Group
What’s next
The new van will begin transporting Irvine Police Explorers to events and activities starting in the fall of 2026.
The takeaway
The Irvine community's investment in the Police Explorer program demonstrates the city's commitment to engaging youth and building strong relationships between residents and law enforcement. This donation will help ensure the program's continued success in inspiring the next generation of community leaders and public servants.
