Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A group of students from Andrew Jackson High School are using the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Education Day game to help those in need in local schools and the Northeast Florida community. The students will host a food drive for Feeding Northeast Florida at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s Education Day game on Monday, May 21, at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Students from the Jackson Five program, which introduces high school students to the sports business industry, will collect non-perishable food items at the third base gate before and during the 11:05 a.m. game. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Everyone who donates an item at the third base gate will be entered in a drawing for prizes from the Jumbo Shrimp.
“We are so impressed by the effort students at Andrew Jackson High School are making on behalf of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Feeding Northeast Florida President and CEO Frank D. Castillo. “This food drive comes at a perfect time. Without access to the free or reduced school lunch programs, many of the families we serve struggle to feed their children during the summer months. More than 81,000 local kids are considered food insecure, and it is inspiring to see these students at Andrew Jackson stepping up to help their fellow students.”
In its second year after beginning as a unique partnership between the Jumbo Shrimp and Andrew Jackson High School, the Jackson Five program has 10 students who gained hands-on experience during the series of high school games at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in March and have had mentoring sessions with various departments of the Jumbo Shrimp front office. Students will also be involved in Monday’s game day operations and helped contribute to this press release.
“I am proud of the growth of the Jackson Five Program and the students who show selfless dedication to making an impact for our community,” said Jumbo Shrimp General Manager Harold Craw. “Through the program, students are getting a first-hand look at our organization, and their enthusiasm and ideas energize our staff. We are grateful they chose to share their talents with us.”
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp open a six-game, five-day homestand with Mobile at 7:05 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 6 p.m. for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, with $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers at select locations, plus $1 sodas at the main concession stands. For National Police Week, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams will throw a ceremonial first pitch, and police vehicles and trucks will be on display at the ballpark. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Bigs with Badges program will attend the game.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.