Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

Trenton-ThunderThe Thunder announced today that it has awarded grants to four locally based non-profit organizations through the 2014 Thunder Charities Community Grant Program.

The following organizations are receiving grants through the 2014 Community Grant Program:

Organization

Program

Grant Amount

Every Child Valued

After School Program

$2,500

Mercer Street Friends

Trenton Digital Initiatives

$2,500

NAMI Mercer NJ, Inc

Just Kids

$1,500

Hope Loves Company

Camp HLC

$1,000

TOTAL = $7,500Mercer-Street-Friends

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to seEvery-Child-Valuede fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations thaNational-Alliance-on-Mental-Illnesst enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

Hope-Loves-CompanyThe Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Saturday

Donors will receive a special Team Store voucher

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Greenville-DriveThe Drive and the Blood Connection will team up for a blood drive at Fluor Field on Saturday from 11 AM-3 PM.

Each donor will receive a voucher that gets them $10 off any purchase in the Team Store of $30 or more. The voucher is good for Saturday only. The Team Store hours on Saturday are 10 AM-4 PM.

The-Blood-ConnectionDonors must be at least 16 years of age.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Barons Host Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive

Barons team with WIAT 42 & iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC for annual event.

 

Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham Barons announced Tuesday they are partnering with WIAT 42 and the team’s flagship radio station, iHeartMedia’s NewsRadio 105-5 WERC, to bring the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive to Regions Field. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 a.m., new and lightly-worn coats can be donated at the ball park, along with multiple drop-off stations at the Lakeshore, Montclair and Trussville Wal-Mart locations.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and this is the perfect opportunity,” Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson said. “We are excited to team up with WIAT 42 and iHeartMedia for this worthy cause. We hope to see a great turnout Thursday as we give help to those who need it most this holiday season.”

The drive is scheduled to run until 6 p.m., and those interested in donating to the cause are welcome to stop by any of the four convenient locations at any time. All coat sizes are welcome and appreciated, including coats for children and adults.

“The Birmingham Barons have always been great broadcast partners with us at NewsRadio 105-5 WERC,” Program Director John Mountz stated. “We both have a common purpose, to serve the public in Birmingham and the greater Birmingham listening area. It is for this reason we are honored to once again partner with the Barons on this worthy endeavor.”

Barons’ mascot Babe Ruff is set to visit each location throughout the day, while WIAT 42 on-air personalities are set to greet participants at Regions Field. The CBS affiliate will also broadcast from the stadium, featuring live shots during the evening news.

“There is such an urgent need to help families stay warm during the winter in Central Alabama,” WIAT’s Andy Caliendo said. “WIAT 42 is proud to partner with the Birmingham Barons and be a part of the Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive. We’re committed to our community and this is just one way we’re working to serve our viewers. WIAT 42’s dedication to providing ‘Coverage You Can Count On’ not only applies to news and weather coverage, but also to our community.”

Birmingham opens the 2015 season Thursday, April 9 as Regions Field hosts the Mobile Bay Bears at 7:05 p.m. For information about the Barons Regions Field and the complete 2015 schedule, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Birmingham Barons. Click here to view the original story.

Fresno Grizzlies Coat and Blanket Drive December 8-13

Donations can be dropped off on the second floor administration lobby at Chukchansi Park

Fresno-GrizzliesThe Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will join Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno in giving back to the community this holiday season. Catholic Charities is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno that is dedicated to serving all of those in need throughout the Fresno, Merced, and Kern counties. Together, the Grizzlies and Catholic Charities will work towards receiving winter clothing item donations to help provide families and individuals to stay warm through the winter season.

Catholic-Charities-of-FresnoThe Coat and Blanket Drive will take place at Chukchansi Park and is open to anyone who would like to donate new or gently used articles of clothing for the winter. The drive will commence on Monday, December 8th and run through Saturday, December 13th. Drop-off hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the second floor lobby of the Grizzlies administration office (enter ballpark off H Street). The donation drive will end on Saturday, December 13th with a drop-off point on the corner of Tulare/H Street in front of the Chukchansi Park Gate 1 sign from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Anyone making a donation will receive two (2) complimentary ticket vouchers for a 2015 Fresno Grizzlies home game.

            It is recommended that donations consist of coats and/or blankets, but any clothing garments practical for the winter are also welcomed.

A list of suggestions is below:

Coats Blankets/Quilts/Comforters
Gloves/Mittens Sweaters
Winter Boots Hoodies
Hats/Beanies Ear Muffs/Headbands
Scarves Full-length Pants/Sweats
Long-sleeved shirts Socks

 

***All items donated must be gently used, in good condition or new***

As the winter season arrives and temperatures get cooler, there are many people who can benefit from the donation of any winter apparel. Many families in the Fresno, Merced, and Kern county areas do not have the means to purchase new clothing items at this time of year. A donation of at least one item can help tremendously.

ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES:

Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno is a non-profit social service agency located in Downtown Fresno. They are devoted to helping and empowering people of the community and have been serving low-income residents in Fresno, Merced, and Kern County for over 47 years. Catholic Charities promotes community empowerment through assistance in applying and enrollment for government and public programs that are designed to lower monthly expenditures. An in-house food pantry allows the organization to feed an average of 120 to 130 families daily. This specific Catholic Charities location at 149 Fulton Street also houses a thrift store, which not only clothes families in crisis, but is also open to the public. All proceeds go directly back to Social Service programs of Catholic Charities.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Fresno Grizzlies. Click here to view the original story.

ValleyCats accepting youth field renovation applications

‘Cats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York extend Community Grounds Crew partnership

Tri-CityValleyCats_2014-12-05

Tri-City-Valley-CatsThe Tri-City ValleyCats and BlueShield of Northeastern New York will team up for the fourth straight year to continue the efforts of the Community Grounds Crew Program, an initiative that assists local youth leagues with maintenance and upkeep of their playing fields throughout the spring and summer.

The Community Grounds Crew will begin in early April 2015 with the annual ‘4 in 24’ Extreme Field Renovation Project, as four select youth fields will receive a facelift in less than 24 hours. The extent of the work includes new sod placed on the infield, rebuilding of the pitcher’s mound and home plate areas, raking and grading of the infield dirt, cutting the baselines to the correct specifications, and more.

“BlueShield is proud to renew our support of the ‘4 in 24’ Field Renovations,” said Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “Year after year we see the positive impact these field renovations have on the children using the spaces and the community as a whole. At BlueShield we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to explore his or her potential through safe and healthy recreational activities.”

“The Community Grounds Crew and ‘4 in 24’ renovation project are key initiatives for our organization each year. Our goal with these programs is to create a positive impact on the community by making a difference in the lives of so many young ballplayers,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “Thanks to our outstanding partnership with BlueShield of Northeastern New York, we are continually able to provide safe and well-maintained fields for youth sports organizations throughout the Capital Region.”

The ValleyCats are currently accepting renovation applications from youth leagues across the Capital Region who are interested in having their field considered for the ‘4 in 24’ or other Community Grounds Crew projects. Applications can be found on the ValleyCats website, www.tcvalleycats.com. New for this year, applicants have the ability to submit their form electronically. Leagues are required to submit photos of the field along with their application.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION>>

In order to be eligible for the ‘4 in 24’ renovation, applications must be returned by Monday, February 16. Those submitted beyond that date or not selected for the ‘4 in 24’, will remain in consideration for the Community Grounds Crew program, which will accept and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

The efforts of the Community Grounds Crew will be recognized at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium during the ValleyCats 2015 season. Youth leagues from across the area will take part in Youth Baseball Night tentatively scheduled for June 26 and Softball Night on June 25.

Mini-plans, season tickets, and flex plans for the ValleyCats 2015 season are on-sale now. For full details, or to purchase tickets, call 518-629-CATS, log-on to tcvalleycats.com, or visit the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Tri-City ValleyCats. Click here to view the original story.

‘Dads & Sam’s Club Partner for Military

Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal provides free tickets for armed forces

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are proud to announce a new partnership with Sam’s Club of Hickory, which will provide free tickets to all active and retired military personnel throughout the 2015 season as a part of the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal.

The Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal will allow any active or retired member of the armed forces or their spouses to receive two complimentary tickets to any of the Crawdads 70 home games with a valid military ID. As one of the few teams in Minor League Baseball to offer free military tickets throughout the season, the Crawdads gave away more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to members of the armed forces in 2014.

“At Sam’s Club, we greatly appreciate the men and women of the armed forces who have served and continue serve our country,” said Sam’s Club of Hickory’s Club Manager Tim Hasson. “They have dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. We are proud to partner with the Hickory Crawdads to honor all military personnel. In addition, Sam’s Club always offers a $15 gift card for all new and renewing Sam’s Club active duty and veteran members. I want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices that you make.”

Sam’s Club Military Tickets can be redeemed in person at the L.P. Frans Stadium box office up to a week in advance of any Crawdads home game.

For more information regarding the Sam’s Club Military Ticket Deal, call the Crawdads front office at (828) 322-3000.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Hickory Crawdads. Click here to view the original story.

One Day High School Baseball Clinic Announced

Learn from Mickey Morandini & Dong Lien on January 17

JonSchaeffer_2014-12-04

Lehigh-Valley-IronPigsThe IronPigs are hosting an indoor hitting and strength and conditioning clinic featuring former Major League All-Star and current IronPigs coach Mickey Morandini along with IronPigs Strength & Conditioning coach Dong Lien on Saturday, January 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Coca-Cola Park. The clinic – available to current high school baseball players in grades 9 through 12 – costs $80 per player. Interested participants are encouraged to register by contacting Hannah Ishida at (610) 841-1228 or at hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com as space is extremely limited and the event is expected to sell out.

As an added bonus, sign-up by Friday, Jan. 9 and be entered to win one of three Mickey Morandini autographed baseballs!

The clinic will take place in Coca-Cola Park’s indoor batting cages and weight room area with players receiving hitting instruction as well as learning strength and conditioning techniques that are designed to prepare them for the upcoming baseball season as well as take their game to the next level. Players must bring their own equipment, including a water bottle. Water jugs will be provided. This event is limited to high school baseball players only.

About the instructors:

Morandini begins his fifth season on the Phillies developmental staff after spending four years as the head coach for Valparaiso (Ind.) High School. After being drafted by the Phillies out of Indiana University in the fifth round of the 1988 draft, the native of Leechburg, Pa., went on to an 11-year major league career that was highlighted by a trip to the 1993 World Series and a selection to the 1995 National League All-Star team. Morandini finished his career batting .268 with 32 home runs, 351 runs batted in and 123 stolen bases in 1,298 games – 956 (74%) of which he donned a Phillies uniform. In fact, Morandini finished his career as the Phillies’ all-time leader in most seasons (eight) as a regular starter at second base (later surpassed by Chase Utley, who recorded his ninth in 2013).

Lien is entering his second season as the IronPigs strength and conditioning coordinator and his tenth in the Phillies system. Prior to joining the IronPigs, he spent the previous six seasons in a similar post at the Major League level with the Phillies. Lien holds a Master’s from California University of Pennsylvania and was part of the Phillies’ 2009 Dick Martin Award winning training staff. Lien was born in Indonesia and resides in West Chester, Pa.

For more information or to register today, please call (610) 841-1228 or email hishida@ironpigsbaseball.com. Space is limited and the registration deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2015 (if space remains).

The IronPigs 2015 season is presented by Capital BlueCross.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Meet Reedy and Santa on Saturday!

Dynamic duo will be at the Drive Team Store from 11 AM-1:30 PM

GreenvilleDrive_2014-12-04

Greenville-DriveKids all over the world adore Santa Claus, and Drive mascot Reedy Rip’It is one of the most beloved mascots around. On Saturday, December 13th, you can get the chance to meet them both!

Santa Claus and Reedy Rip’It will be stopping by the Greenville Drive Team Store on Main Street from 11 AM-1:30 PM on the 13th to talk Christmas wishes and take photos.

You won’t want to miss this great opportunity to meet these two jolly, lovable friends!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greenville Drive. Click here to view the original story.

Brooklyn Baseball Academy

brooklyncyclones.com-News_2014-12-04

Brooklyn-CyclonesThe Brooklyn Baseball Academy is recognized throughout New York City as one of the premier developmental baseball programs in the five boroughs. This winter, MCU Park will host a five-week program designed to develop and sharpen the fundamental skills that all of our athletes need in order to be successful on the baseball diamond. The offseason is not a time of rest for the serious baseball player. Our winter program is designed for the serious athlete in mind who wants to gain that competitive edge on the field.

The Brooklyn Baseball Academy is available starting on Monday, December 8th. There will be four different sessions per week.

  • Monday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Tuesday: Hitting (Swing Mechanics, Advanced Drill Work, Plate Approach, Live BP and Video Analysis)
  • Wednesday: Pitching (Mechanical Work and Drills, Grips, Pitchers Fielding Practice and Video Analysis)
  • Thursday: Open Development (Players Will Have Option to Choose What they Want to Work On)
* Each session will last one (1) hour and there will be a limit of four players per group.
** Sessions start at 5:00 PM and run through 9:00 PM each night

WHERE: The five-week Winter Baseball Developmental Program will run at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The program will use the same training facilities that the professionals use every day during the Cyclones season.

WHEN: We will be training athletes ages 8 and up.

REGISTRATION: The cost per player the for the five-week program is $200 which also includes two ticket vouchers for a 2015 Brooklyn Cyclones game.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Individual Lessons

30 Minutes $50
60 Minutes $90
5 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $230
10 Pack of 30 Minute Lessons $420

Group Lessons

Two Players $60 per player
Three Players $45 per player
Four Players $40 per player

Batting Tunnel Rentals

30 Minutes $35
60 Minutes $60

To Reserve Your Spot Contact :

Tommy Cardona

718 – 382 – 2682 / TCard@BrooklynCyclones.com

Gary Perone, Founder – Brooklyn Baseball Academy,

718 – 382 – 3608 / Gary@BrooklynCyclones.com

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.

San Jose Giants Release 2014 Community Report

Report showcases organization’s impact in the South Bay

San-Jose-GiantsThe San Jose Giants released today their 2014 Community Report. The report is a complete detail of the organization’s community involvement and contributions. From expanding the team’s extensive fundraising efforts to a record number of mascot appearances and the organization’s rise from twenty-fifth in Minor League Baseball’s social media rankings to second overall, the San Jose Giants presence was felt well beyond the Municipal Stadium gates this year.

“I want to personally thank all of our fans and partners for your loyalty and passion for the San Jose Giants and our place in the community,” said Daniel Orum, San Jose Giants President and CEO. “Through the organization’s extensive work with youth sports groups, schools and regional non-profit organizations, the team has introduced baseball to millions of homes in Northern California and this year alone raised over $480,000 for charitable causes.”

The 2014 Community Report showcases the variety of charitable efforts the San Jose Giants are involved with both inside and beyond the Municipal Stadium gates. Highlights of the report include over 150 appearances made by San Jose Giants personnel, unique, community-centered evening’s at Municipal Stadium, events in partnership with the Giants Community Fund to help under served youth and in-kind donations to more than 750 local and national organizations.

For more information on the San Jose Giants and how to get your organization involved next season, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

Read 2014 San Jose Giants Community Report

This article originally appeared on the official website of the San Jose Giants. Click here to view the original story.

“Anchor the Anchors” Child Car Seat Event Saturday

Event in Conjunction with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and Safe Kids Oklahoma

Oklahoma-City-RedHawks-LogoThe Oklahoma City RedHawks, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, and Safe Kids Oklahoma are teaming up to sponsor a free car seat check from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Technicians will be on hand to install car seats and to check previously installed seats for the general public. Local media, especially television anchors, are encouraged to attend and participate to ensure their car seats are properly installed and correctly “anchored” in their vehicles.

Safe-Kids-Oklahoma“Studies show that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly,” said Katie Mueller, Executive Director at Safe Kids Oklahoma. “Events like this give parents and caregivers a chance to make sure their car seats are properly installed and to ensure that they are using the correct type for each child’s age, size, and weight.”

A very limited number of cars seats will be available for $10 to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to be eligible to receive a car seat, the child and the legal guardian must be present and show proof of state assistance, food stamps, WIC, etc.

“We encourage families and caregivers to stop by and make sure they have all car seats properly installed,” Mueller said. “Our goal is to be sure that occupants in each car leave the event safer than when they arrived.”

“The RedHawks are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office,” said RedHawks President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “OHSO is among the leaders in communicating important safety measures to the public, and their partnership with Safe Kids in organizing these events further shows what an asset they are to our community.”

For more information about Oklahoma’s occupant protection laws, car seat guidelines, and other seat check events across the state, visit www.ohso.ok.gov.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Click here to view the original story.

Mascot Stormy Debuts Children’s Book Saturday at The Bookworm

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” is first ever children’s book produced by Storm Chasers

AndrewMitchell_2014-12-03

 

Omaha-Storm-Chasers-2014The Omaha Storm Chasers mascot Stormy has many accomplishments since he was born in 2010, but he will now add his own book to that list! “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister,” the first ever children’s book produced by the Storm Chasers, will be officially released this Saturday at The Bookworm, and the mascot himself will be there!

Home-Run-Foundation-of-Omaha-logoThe Bookworm, located at 2501 South 90th Street, will host Stormy on December 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. as part of the celebration for “Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day.” The price for each book is $13.95, and portions of the proceeds from purchases will go to the Home Run Foundation of Greater Omaha.

“Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” was written David Green (son of Storm Chasers owner Gary Green) and Constantine Ladikos, while being illustrated by Andre Frattino. In the book Stormy learns a twister might spoil his special day at Werner Park, so he goes on a search to find the threatening twister.

Fans can also purchase “Stormy and the Case of the Terrible Twister” at the Storm Front Team Store or online here:

http://stormchasers.milbstore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=117&dept_id=-1&product_id=58218.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Omaha Storm Chasers. Click here to view the original story.

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Hot Rods’ Holiday Home Run for Kids Set for December 14

Bowling-Green-Hot-Rods-LogoThe holidays may not occur during baseball season, but the Bowling Green Hot Rods are not allowing a simple calendar fact get in the way of celebrating them. The Hot Rods are pleased to introduce the inaugural Holiday Home Run for Kids. Not only will there be fun and entertainment for kids, but families can help the Hot Rods help those in need in South-Central Kentucky by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. This free event will take place on Sunday, December 14, and it will run from 2-4 p.m. CT.

Toys-for-Tots-logo-2014b“We experienced outstanding support from the community with the Spring Rev-Up and most recently with Funner-Ween, and we hope to top both of them while helping a great cause,” said Hot Rods Assistant General Manager Ben Hemmen. “By contributing a toy to the Toys for Tots Drive, families can help their neighbors in need while also securing a discount in the team store. It’s a great chance for kids to meet Santa at the ballpark, and with prizes for everyone, it’ll be fun for all ages.”

Santa will be present and taking kids’ Holiday wishes. Holiday Home Run for Kids will take place in The Body Shop at Bowling Green Ballpark, and is loaded with free items. In addition to free entry, free cookies, candy canes, and hot chocolate will be handed out. The donation of unwrapped toy(s) to Toys for Tots will net the donor 10% off their entire purchase in the team store.

Fans who attend will also be eligible to win a number of presents, including free entry to a 2015 club at Bowling Green Ballpark, game-worn jerseys, 2014 prize packs, and even a 2015 Owners Experience Night, which features a free game inside the spacious Owner’s Suite for a 2015 Hot Rods regular-season game. The Body Shop will feature a large collection of clearance items, along with game-used merchandise. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase holiday packs, FUNNER cards, season-ticket packages, and more.

All are encouraged to keep checking the Hot Rods social media accounts every day, as a new deal and offer is revealed during the club’s 25 Days of Christmas. Daily offers include discounts on tickets, merchandise, and more. The Hot Rods can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Pinterest.

Season tickets for the 2015 season are available now, and they can be purchased for as little as $90. While Opening Night is set for Saturday, April 18, the Hot Rods will host Western Kentucky University in an exhibition game on Tuesday, April 7. Plans offer numerous exclusive benefits and provide the greatest flexibility. For more information on the club and to secure your seats for the 2015 season, fans can logon to BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Click here to view the original story.

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

Charlie Brings Santa to The Joe!

CharlestonRiverDogs_2014-12-03

 

Charleston-RiverDogsDuring this holiday season, the Charleston RiverDogs invite kids of all ages to The Joe to have their photo taken with the club’s popular mascot Charlie T. RiverDog AND Santa Claus on December 13.

The RiverDogs will interrupt Santa’s busy season and will have him from approximately 11am – 1 pm at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. Santa and Charlie will be spending time with fans to help them enjoy the holiday season, RiverDogs style!

Salvation-ArmyIn order to have the free picture taken with Santa and Charlie, one must donate a new and unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Giving Tree or a cash donation, which will be donated to the Salvation Army through one of their recognizable kettles.

As Christmas music will be played over the Riley Park sound system, fans may enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate. There will be a station for kids to write their letters to Santa so that he can take them back to the North Pole with him that evening. There will be holiday themed crafts, including an ornament making area where kids can bring their creations home with them. Fans will be given the chance to tour the clubhouse and other parts of The Joe. Those shopping in the RiverDogs Souvenir Shop will receive 25% off all clothing.

While the photo opportunities with Charlie and Santa will cost a toy or a donation to the Salvation Army, entry into Riley Park for this event is free.

For more information, please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charleston RiverDogs. Click here to view the original story.

Shoeboxes for Children Claw Club Sale

‘Dads team with Elevation Church & Hickory Soup Kitchen

Hickory-CrawdadsThe Hickory Crawdads are partnering with Elevation Church and the Hickory Soup Kitchen to offer fans a half-priced 2015 Claw Club membership in exchange for donating select items that can be included in special Shoeboxes for Children this Holiday season.

Fans have until December 15th to donate to the Shoeboxes for Children program and receive a Claw Club membership for only $19, half the normal price. The program provides a special shoebox filled with warm weather essentials, school supplies, hygiene kits, and small toys to every child at the Hickory Soup Kitchen on Christmas. Hickory-Soup-KitchenAcceptable items for fans to donate include:

  • Brush/Comb sets
  • Kids sized sunglasses (non-gender specific)
  • $5 gift cards to McDonald’s
  • Pairs of socks
  • Small, low-priced toys (non-gender specific)

Elevation Church is also requesting children’s Bibles, while the Crawdads will be making and accepting hand-made Christmas cards to include in the shoeboxes as well. Both items will be accepted for a half-priced Claw Club membership. Donations can be made to the ‘Dads front office at L.P. Frans Stadium, along with a completed Claw Club Form.

For more information regarding the Hickory Soup Kitchen visit www.hickorysoupkitchen.org. More information about Elevation Church can be found at www.elevationchurch.org.

The Claw Club is the official kids club of the Hickory Crawdads. A membership includes:

  • One ticket to ALL 70 Crawdads home games in 2015
  • Official Membership Card
  • One Complimentary Speed Pitch, Carousel, & Bounce House Voucher each Saturday
  • One Complimentary ticket for Dad on Father’s Day
  • One Complimentary ticket for Mom on Mother’s Day
  • Special Events during the off-season and regular season
  • Claw Club Newsletter via E-Mail
  • 15% Discount at the Crawdads’ Team Store!
  • $30 Discount on a Birthday Party

For more information on the Claw Club or the Shoeboxes for Children sale, call the Crawdads Front Office at (828) 322-3000 or email Director of Community Relations and Events, Megan Meade at mmeade@hickorycrawdads.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Aaron Cox. Click here to view the original story.