BREWER – The Brewer Police Athletic League is hosting its first all-star basketball tournament in March, and the group is looking for help from area businesses and individuals to put on the event.

“We work strictly off donations,” Lt. Perry Antone said.

Pupils in third, fourth or fifth grade can play basketball in the PAL program, said co-commissioner Buffy Morton.

“It’s for youth to have a chance to learn and play basketball,” she said. “It gets them off the streets and teaches them to be part of a team. They learn not just the sport but aspects of growing up, and it gets them involved in the community.”

Pupils from Brewer, Eddington, Holden, Dedham, Clifton and Orrington can participate in the program.

“Because of the number of participants and increasing expenses we are turning to the local business owners for any donations possible to avoid increasing the cost for the participants and their parents,” a PAL press release states.

This year PAL is hosting two tournaments in March. The girls all-star tournament is March 5 and 6 and the boys all-star tournament is March 19 and 20. So far, four teams from have signed up to come to Brewer to play.

“This is where we need your help,” the press release states. “If you choose to donate to our league, not only would we appreciate your help, we can offer you advertising in our tournament program.”

Anyone who needs more information about the tournaments or who would like to make a donation can contact Morton or co-commissioner Francis “Chip” Ware at 989-6946, after 5 p.m.

The deadline to sign up for program space is Feb. 25.