Family Relief/Resources

2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

February 16, 2015

Application deadline is Friday, April 17.

Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the fifth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding a $1,000 scholarship in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarship on behalf of Nick’s family.

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 17, 2015. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded from the Kernels website by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels . Click here to view the original story.

Gwinnett Braves Award January Grant to The Path Project

February 11, 2015

Organization receives $1,000 “I Have a Dream” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of January. The Path Project, Inc. has been awarded the “I Have a Dream” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that grants wishes, dreams and opportunities for the youth, elderly, injured or sick.

The Path Project offers academic, social and spiritual development for at-risk youth living in mobile home communities in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. The non-profit organization works to help those students close the achievement gap, graduate from high school, become productive members of society and find the right path for their lives. The outreach ministry currently operates five community centers in five mobile home parks, serving approximately 450 children each week.

The community centers run by The Path Project provide preschool programs, after-school programs, summer camps, soccer teams and mentoring services. Certified teachers and youth development specialists oversee the centers, run the programs, communicate with parents and schools, as well as lead volunteers. The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will be used for literacy and educational enrichment through field trips and the purchase of books and school supplies.

“On behalf of the staff, volunteers, students and families of Gwinnett County that are part of The Path Project, I wish to say thank you to the Gwinnett Braves organization for their generous grant of $1,000,” said Jim Hollandsworth, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Path Project. “This grant will go directly to academic endeavors that are part of our after-school and literacy programs that serve hundreds of children and teenagers living in Gwinnett County. We are honored to partner with the Gwinnett Braves to help these young people find the right path for their lives.”

About The Path Project, Inc.: The Path Project is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 2009 by Jim and Melinda Hollandsworth as an outreach ministry of Graystone Church in Grayson, GA. What started as a once-a-week homework help program at the Gwinnett Estates mobile home park soon grew to a four-day-a-week, after-school program that included preschool, mentoring and soccer activities. The Path Project expanded in 2012 to serve other mobile home communities in Gwinnett, Walton and Newton counties, including Valley Brook in Stone Mountain, Bay Creek in Loganville and Riverside Estates in Covington. For more information, visit their website at www.path-project.org.

For more information on the Gwinnett Braves Grant Program, including details on how your organization can apply for future grants, call Community Relations Coordinator Alison Atkins at 678-277-0346 or email Alison.Atkins@braves.com.

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

RiverDogs & Palmetto Goodwill Partner for Hiring Events

February 6, 2015

Events to include on-site interviews to fill gameday positions for the upcoming season.

The Charleston RiverDogs and Palmetto Goodwill will host a pair of Jobs at The Joe Hire Me! hiring events to fill gameday positions for the upcoming season.

The hiring events will take place at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with two sessions on Thursday, February 19 at 10 am and 4 pm along with one session on Sunday, February 22 from 1-5 pm.

All interested applicants MUST pre-register for this event by emailing hireme@riverdogs.com.

On-site interviews will be conducted for positions in the following areas:

food & beverage (front and back of the house)
ushers
ticket takers
box office attendants
Kids Zone
stadium clean-up crew
parking attendants
And if you have what it takes, you can possibly be Charlie T. RiverDog!

Applicants are encouraged to dress appropriately.

The RiverDogs open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9^th vs. Lexington on Budweiser Thirsty Thursday with postgame fireworks. RiverDogs baseball can be heard all season long on the flagship radio home WTMA 1250AM.

For more information please contact the RiverDogs at 843/577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

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

Bats to wear camo jerseys to benefit PVA

February 2, 2015

The Louisville Bats will wear special digital camouflage jerseys at all Sunday home games in 2015 to benefit the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Koetter Construction will provide the jerseys, which will be auctioned following the conclusion of the season with 100 percent of the funds being donated to the local PVA chapter. The jerseys will be introduced at the team’s noon press conference Wednesday at Louisville Slugger Field.

A nonprofit organization, many of PVA’s volunteers are dedicated veterans who have taken up the cause to not only fight on the battlefield together, but on the battlefield at home. The mission of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter is to improve the quality of life of U.S. Military Veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction through the use of advocacy, research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

“The partnership with the Louisville Bats and Koetter Construction will give us the exposure we so desperately need,” said Kevin Sparks, president of the Kentucky-Indiana PVA chapter. “Our hope is when fans see a camouflage uniform at a Bats game or anywhere else, or a sign for Koetter Construction, that they immediately think of our paralyzed veterans here in the Louisville and Kentuckiana area.”

“Koetter Construction is very proud to partner with the Bats and sponsor the Sunday military camouflage jerseys as a fundraiser to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Bob Koetter, Jr., president of the Floyds Knobs-based company. “We have been a past supporter of the PVA because we like to show our appreciation of our veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

“I would hope that these camouflage jerseys will remind people to thank a veteran, especially those who have come back missing limbs or being paralyzed from an accident while fighting for our freedom,” Koetter added. “I also hope people will support the PVA financially by participating in the auction at the end of the season.”

The PVA works continuously to raise awareness of the issues that paralyzed veterans face every day. There are a variety of ways to help. Visit www.kipva.org to become a volunteer, donor, sponsor or learn about supporting the group at its events.

Kentucky-Indiana PVA contact: Vickie Lincks, Executive Director, 502-635-6539, vlincks@kipva.org

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

Gwinnett Braves Award December Grant to The Next Stop

January 26, 2015

Organization receives $1,000 “Season of Giving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of December. The Next Stop Foundation, Inc. has been awarded the “Season of Giving” themed grant, aimed at funding an education organization.

The Next Stop works with developmentally disabled adults, as well as those with traumatic brain injuries in Gwinnett County and the surrounding area. The non-profit organization provides members who have aged out of the school system with a place to socialize, learn and enjoy friendships in a fulfilling and challenging way. Through high-quality group activities, learning opportunities and personalized mentorship, The Next Stop helps its members grow in the areas of self-confidence, social skills, maturity, life skills and awareness.

One such group activity, cooking education, provides members with a cooperative environment in which to exercise cognitive and motor skills. Each small group works together to perform recipe preparation and clean-up before enjoying the fruits of their labor. The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves will fund over two months of kitchen costs associated with the cooking education program.

“We are truly grateful to the Gwinnett Braves for this grant award,” said Vicki LaRoche, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Next Stop. “At The Next Stop we provide opportunities for members to experience social situations, recreational fun and life appreciation learning. Because our members cook each day at The Next Stop, these funds will be used to support our kitchen education.”

About The Next Stop Foundation, Inc.: Founded in 2006, The Next Stop provides programs where high-functioning developmentally disabled and brain injured young adults can gather to socialize, enjoy recreation and learn life application skills. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind center is small by design, but big on success. Families report that 98 percent of members have improved their social skills or remained stable since entering the program. For more information, call 404-932-3953 or visit www.thenextstop.org.

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

Hot Stove Banquet Raises Over $6,000

January 20, 2015

With a guest list that included two hall of famers, a World Series MVP and a former 30-game winner and a sold out Genetti Ballroom, the Williamsport Crosscutters 9th Annual Hot Stove Banquet was a great success while raising over $6,000 for charity.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, former Phillies GM Pat Gillick, former World Series MVP Pat Borders & legendary pitcher Denny McLain entertained attendees with stories, signed autographs and answered audience questions.

In talking about the 2015 Phillies, Sandberg stated, “We are rebuilding and we’ll have a lot of changing faces but at the same time it will be exciting watching a new core of players develop for the team. We have to start the process of getting younger.”

The night, presented by Lycoming Mall, Woodlands Bank, WRAK Radio and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, was also highlighted by auctions that featured a wealth of sports memorabilia including a bat and jersey signed by Sandberg, a special breakfast with the Phillie Phanatic, a special VIP Package to a Phillies vs. Yankees game and much more.

Other highlights of the event included the induction of Paul Velte into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame. Velte was responsible for bringing pro ball back to Williamsport in 1994 where he owned the team for 21 seasons until recently selling the team to Cutting Edge Baseball headed by new principal owner Peter Freund

A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the American Rescue Workers whose mission is to give spiritual and material aid to those in need. At the conclusion of the festivities, the Rescue Workers were presented with a check for $6,175 which represents the largest-ever donation from this event.

The Crosscutters open the 2015 season on June 19 at State College with the home opener slated for Saturday, June 20 against the Spikes at Susquehanna Bank Park. Season tickets, Bonus Books and group packages are currently available and can be purchased online at www.crosscutters.com or by calling the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

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

NEST, Storm Chasers Present 13th Annual Essay Contest

January 12, 2015

Students in 7th and 8th grade write about “Why I Want to Go to College”

The Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) and the Omaha Storm Chasers have officially kicked off the 13th-annual “Why I Want to Go to College” essay contest, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg announced today.

Students in 7th and 8th grade both in and outside the state of Nebraska may send their entries until the March 27 deadline. Essays must be 750 words or less, describing the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future. Entries must be typed, double-spaced on 8 1/2 by 11″ paper and must be the student’s original work. Each entry must be accompanied with the required cover sheet found here:

http://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships/essay/college/2015/2015writingContestCoverSheet.pdf.

Judging will be conducted by faculty and students in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The essay contest awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts, as well as Out-of-State, with winners earning prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 toward a NEST College Savings Plan.

All winners from Nebraska, which will be notified in early May, receive four box seat tickets and earn recognition prior to the Storm Chasers game on May 10 against the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Each winning student will get an opportunity to meet Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg during the visit.

For complete rules and information on the Essay Contest, visit the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office website here:

http://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships/essay/college/2015/.

Entries must be postmarked by March 27 and sent to:

Omaha Storm Chasers

Attn: Andrea Stava

12356 Ballpark Way

Papillion, NE 68046

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

Bees Staff Helps Road Home Media-a-Thon

December 18, 2014

The Salt Lake Bees front office staff spent Thursday morning donating their time to help sort donations for The Road Home. The group sorted winter clothes, blankets, hats, gloves and assorted other times that had been donated by generous members of the community.

The Road Home provides shelter and supportive services for overcoming homelessness. The monetary and in-kind donations collected during the annual Holiday Media-a-Thon support The Road Home and local residents in need year round.

Donate at www.theroadhome.org or by calling 801-819-7300.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Staten Island Yankees lend a helping hand at Salvation Army toy drive

December 17, 2014

Scooter joins New York Giants linebacker Jameel McClain in handing out toys

Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army's Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive — Scooter poses with local children, Salvation Army’s Lt. Stephen Mayes & Giants LB Jameel McClain at local toy drive

On Tuesday, December 16, the Staten Island Yankees beloved mascot Scooter the Holy Cow joined the Salvation Army at the organization’s toy drive in nearby Stapleton in Staten Island. In the spirit of the holiday season, each member of the Staten Island Yankees front office fulfilled a child’s wishlist, making sure as many kids have a present to open on Christmas as possible.

Click here to view more pictures

Scooter, along with current New York Giants linebacker and former Syracuse Orange Jameel McClain, helped the Salvation Army hand out toys to more than 200 children and parents in need from Staten Island. The Salvation Army is an organization especially close to McClain, as the seven-year NFL veteran lived at a Salvation Army shelter in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA, with his mother and three siblings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Staten Island Yankees. Click here to view the original story.

Granite State Baseball Dinner Donates $142,000

December 17, 2014

Annual charity event has donated more than $1.28 million since 2007

In the offices of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Manchester today, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announced the proceeds from the 2014 Granite State Baseball Dinner, presented by Northeast Delta Dental. Through sponsorship donations, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and raffle ticket sales, $142,049 was donated to benefit CHaD, the Ted Williams Foundation, and the Fisher Cats Foundation at the annual gala on Nov. 22.

“It is with great pride that our organization gets to host this event and present this check every year,” said Art Solomon, Fisher Cats owner and Chairman of the Fisher Cats Foundation board. “The work of our Foundation is near and dear to my heart, but this event in particular means so much because of the impact it is able to make. We are so thankful for the support of all of the sponsors and fans who continue to make this event so meaningful each year.”

“Each year during the holiday season we are able to make this announcement, and it means so much to our team and our staff,” said Fisher Cats President & General Manager Rick Brenner. “It takes a lot of dedicated people donating a lot of their time and resources to make this event successful, but this announcement and presentation today, and the work of these great charities, is the reward for those efforts. We know these funds will assist these groups with the important and necessary services they provide our communities.”

Since the Fisher Cats became involved with the dinner in 2007, it has generated more than $1.28 million for the three charitable groups. CHaD has received more than $558,000 to support its mission to provide world-class care to families and kids throughout the northeast. The Fisher Cats Foundation has used a similar amount to help fund more than $3.5 million in monetary and in-kind donations since its inception in 2006. The Ted Williams Foundation has been gifted with nearly $173,000 to continue its efforts to promote the history and tradition of baseball while also providing outreach to community groups and scholarships to high school students.

The 2014 dinner featured a unique panel of celebrity guests, including New Hampshire legend and Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter. Red Sox star Brock Holt co-headlined the event alongside Carpenter, as well as several popular former Red Sox, including Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, and Lou Merloni. Other guests with major league connections included Cy Young winners Denny McLain and Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden, All-Stars Bob Stanley and Gary Matthews, and Claudia Williams, author and daughter of Hall-of-Famer Ted Williams.

Several Granite Staters also featured at the head table, including minor league infielder Michael Fransoso of Portsmouth and pitcher Derrick Sylvester of Franklin. Miss New Hampshire Megan Coolely was joined by 2012 Paralympic gold medalist Victoria Arlen of Exeter.

The dinner tradition will continue in 2015 on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The Fisher Cats will open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies). Full and Half-Season Tickets are currently on sale, and feature a variety of benefits and experiences. To learn more, stop by the box office at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, call (603) 641-2005, or visit www.nhfishercats.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Click here to view the original story.

Local Charities to Benefit from Days of Giving

December 16, 2014

With the holiday season approaching the Chihuahuas are keeping with the holiday spirit, as they are proud to present the Days of Giving to take place starting today and will run through Dec. 23, benefiting six local charities.

Each charity is assigned a day in which the organization will receive 10% of the Chihuahuas net sales in the Chihuahuas Team Shop. In its inaugural season, the Chihuahuas raised more than $6,700 for local organizations.

The selected charities and days are as follows:

STARS – Tuesday, Dec. 16

Alzheimer’s Association – Wednesday, Dec. 17

YMCA – Thursday, Dec. 18

El Paso Border Youth Association – Friday, Dec. 19

Make-A-Wish North Texas – Saturday, Dec. 20

Salvation Army – Monday, Dec. 22

Armed Services YMCA– Tuesday, Dec. 23

The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza on the corner of Franklin Ave. and Durango St. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Award November Grant to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry

December 15, 2014

Organization receives $1,000 “Thanksgiving” themed grant

The Gwinnett Braves have announced the recipient of their $1,000 grant for the month of November. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc. has been awarded the “Thanksgiving” themed grant, aimed at funding an organization that works to end hunger.

Meat can be a difficult and costly item for food banks and feeding ministries to obtain. Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) is an outreach ministry that seeks to transform the renewable resource of deer and other wild game into food for the hungry through locally established chapters. For the past eight years, the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter has provided over 5,000 pounds of venison to local food-needy groups.

The $1,000 grant awarded by the Gwinnett Braves helped the North Georgia Foothills FHFH Chapter pay for the processing costs of donated deer. On average, it costs around $55 to cut, package and distribute one deer to local food banks. Funds may also be used toward promoting the option of deer donation to the local farming and hunting community through printed, web and broadcast media.

“We are truly blessed to have the Gwinnett Braves partner with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to provide assistance to our food ministry,” said Joe Schuster, President of the FHFH Georgia Foothills Chapter. “FHFH raises funds from sponsors like the G-Braves to process protein enriched venison donated by local hunters which is then directed to the food needy. The Abba House of Cumming, GA, a ministry focused on helping women break free from addiction and abuse, was the recipient of our harvest this year.”

About Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Inc.: Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry is a 501c(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland. The organization is comprised of a main office in Hagerstown, MD and 120 local coordinators serving in 24 different states. FHFH includes a network of hunters, farmers, ranchers, butchers, food banks, ministries and financial supporters working together to provide meat to the hungry among us. For more information or to make a donation, visit FHFH.org.

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

Thunder Charities Awards Grants To Four Local Non-Profits

December 12, 2014

The 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 = $7,500

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 see 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 that 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.

The 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.

Barons Host Winter Warm-Up Coat Drive

December 9, 2014

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

December 6, 2014

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

The 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.

The 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 8^th and run through Saturday, December 13^th. 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 13^th 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.