Shuckers and March of Dimes team up for fundraiser

BILOXI, MS – For their April 22 game against the Jackson Generals, the Biloxi Shuckers will trade in their usual uniforms for a good cause. Special coast-themed jerseys will be worn during the game, then auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting March of Dimes.

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The jerseys, designed by local tattoo artist Matt Stebly, showcase the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The custom design features a redfish, a pelican and the iconic Biloxi lighthouse in a watercolor style. The game worn jerseys will be auctioned during the game in a silent auction with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes. After the game, winners will have the opportunity to meet the player or coach who wore the jersey after the game and get it autographed.

“The March of Dimes is thrilled to partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and Matt Stebly for this unique fundraising opportunity,” said Jennifer Parker, Executive Director of Market Development for March of Dimes, Gulfport and Biloxi. “Our mission supporters look forward to having a great time at The Shuckers game on the 22nd and sharing the important work of the March of Dimes all the while having a great time at the ball field.”

The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and works to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. In addition to this jersey auction, the Shuckers organization will be sponsoring a team in the South Mississippi March for Babies on April 29.

The Saturday night game will also feature the second Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of the season. The Shuckers will launch fireworks after every Saturday home game this season, as well as a special show on Tuesday, July 4 against Pensacola.

“This is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do,” said Stebly on designing a jersey that players could wear on the field. “I wanted to come up with a design that would look good on a jersey and that fans would want to purchase for a great cause. One of my goals was to give baseball fans around the country a vibe of our Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

Matt, Jenna and Anderson Stebly pose with the design after the Facebook Live reveal in Matt’s shop, Twisted Anchor Tattoo in Ocean Springs.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Opening Day for the 2017 season is Thursday, April 6 at Montgomery. The Shuckers will open their third season at MGM Park on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:35 p.m. against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Season tickets, mini plans, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. To purchase a ticket package or book a group outing this season, call 228-233-3465. Single-game tickets for all regular season games at MGM Park are available at biloxishuckers.com/tickets.

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers launch “Hit The Books” Reading Campaign

BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in partnership with Walmart, unveiled Tuesday their plans for the “Hit the Books” reading program, which aims to teach local students the importance of literacy. The incentive-based drive will reward students who reach their reading goals with a ticket to a Shuckers home game this season.

Over the course of the next six weeks, beginning this Friday, Schooner the Seagull and other Shuckers representatives will lead pep rallies and classroom visits at 19 local schools with a message stressing the benefits of reading. At these visits, students will receive a special “Hit the Books” bookmark with a reading log on its reverse side. Once a student has read six books and their list is verified by a teacher, the bookmark can be redeemed at the MGM Park box office for a ticket to a pre-determined Shuckers home game this season.

Qualifying students will also be invited to participate in an on-field parade before their scheduled game. The parade, led by Schooner, will allow Shuckers fans to honor “Hit the Books” participants for their commitment to reading. This year just over 10,000 students will be receiving a bookmark.

“This program is a great way for young Shuckers fans to reap the rewards of hitting the books,” said Jenifer Truong, Community Relations Coordinator for the Shuckers. “Reading is already a fun thing for students to do, but the added incentive to see their hard work recognized by the Shuckers should only serve to enhance that experience.”

The “Hit the Books” tour schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 17                             North Bay Elementary School
Friday, February 17                             Coast Episcopal School
Friday, February 17                             Bayou View Elementary School
Wednesday, February 22                    Vancleave Upper Elementary School
Thursday, February 23                        Gaston Point Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Gorenflo Elementary School
Friday, March 3                                   Nativity BVM Elementary School
Thursday, March 9                              Anniston Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Harrison Central Elementary School
Wednesday, March 15                        Singing River Academy
Friday, March 17                                 North Woolmarket Elementary/Middle School
Friday, March 17                                 Hancock North Central Elementary School
Friday, March 17                                 West Hancock Elementary School
Friday, March 24                                 St. Martin East Elementary School

ABOUT THE BILOXI SHUCKERS:
The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

M-Braves to assist in Hattiesburg disaster relief efforts

Donations accepted at Trustmark Park in Pearl

By Miranda Black / Mississippi Braves

01/24/2017 3:38 PM ET

PEARL, MS — The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with partners of The Connection, have teamed with The Salvation Army to spearhead a Central-Mississippi drive to aid in tornado relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating storms in the Hattiesburg area over the weekend.

In conjunction with The Connection, which is the area surrounding Trustmark Park including The Outlets of Mississippi, Bass Pro Shops, The Holiday Inn at Trustmark Park and Sam’s Club alongside the M-Braves, donations will be accepted near the main entrance at Trustmark Park starting Wednesday, January 25 at 9:00 AM.

“The Mississippi Braves strive to continue to be great supporters of our communities in Mississippi and feel we have the responsibility to assist wherever and whenever we can when our friends and neighbors in Mississippi are in need,” said M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo. “However, our feeling of responsibility aside, most importantly, we have the sincere desire to help any way we can.”

The M-Braves will have a truck parked in front of Trustmark Park to collect relief items January 25 through February 3, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday). Items will later be transported to Hattiesburg by members of the Mississippi Braves staff.

For relief efforts in Hattiesburg, The Salvation Army is in need of the items listed below. At this time, due to storage space in the area, clothing cannot be accepted. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.

  • Monetary Donations (cash/checks made out to The Salvation Army)
  • Non-Perishable Food (canned goods)
  • Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Toiletries

“The M-Braves will make a substantial donation of goods ourselves, and we challenge our season ticket holders, sponsors, fans and fellow members of the community to assist,” DeSalvo added. “If we fill up a truckload, that will be fantastic, but we’re not afraid to fill up and deliver 10 truckloads if we can.”

The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural 2005 season, over 115 M-Braves have gone on to play in the big leagues. The M-Braves have made postseason play four times and went on to win the Southern League Championship in 2008. Stop by Trustmark Park or call 888-BRAVES4 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For the latest news and updates, visit mississippibraves.com or connect with @mbraves on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shuckers Hit Home Run with Community Contributions and Initiatives in 2016

BILOXI, MS – During the Biloxi Shuckers second season, the team continued to give back to the community. The Shuckers have become a resource for local organizations including non-profits and schools by helping to raise funds and awareness through various methods.

The Shuckers and its concessionaire, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality raised over $178,000 for local nonprofits and donated over $30,000 of in-kind contributions. Through Shuckers initiatives including the Ticket Fundraising Program, In-Stadium Auctions and Spectra NFP Fundraising Program which benefits qualified local 501 (c) (3) nonprofit groups through concessions, the club led the ten-member Southern League for In-Stadium Fundraising.

Among the highlights of the organization’s 2016 charitable work included providing a platform for: Habitat for Humanity, Biloxi Miracle League, Mississippi Center for Autism and Related Learning Disabilities, Jackson County Animal Shelter, Memorial Hospital Foundation and Favre 4 Hope, Special Olympics, Salvation Army of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ALS Association, American Cancer Society and Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art.

“We give back to our community because we believe we have a responsibility to do so,” stated Shuckers Community Relations and Promotions Coordinator Jenifer Truong. “Whether it’s local schools or non-profits, the Shuckers offer not only a chance to raise funds for your organization, but also awareness to a large audience.”

In addition to the organization’s charitable contributions, Shuckers’ season ticket holders donated just over 1,500 tickets to local non-profits, military personnel and their families, and first responders. The organization also made frequent mascot and player appearances in the community and members of the Shuckers front office also joined forces to record over 200 hours of community service in 2016.

Spectra’s NFP program seeks to provide qualified nonprofit groups and civic organizations a unique fundraising opportunity. Groups provide volunteers to assist with concession stand operations as cashiers, vendors, and stand workers. Those organizations work to reach fundraising goals while providing great service to fans.

“Involving area nonprofit organizations in our operation has helped us hit a home run with the community and Shuckers’ fans,” said Spectra General Manager Mike Brulatour. “Since the opening of MGM Park in June 2015, thousands of volunteers have raised over $300,000 for their respective charities. The commitment and dedication of these volunteers has enabled us to provide a consistent level of exceptional customer service to our patrons while supporting the Mississippi Gulf Coast communities which we serve. Spectra Food Services and Hospitality strives to be a strong partner with the Biloxi Shuckers and a valued member of the Gulf Coast business community.”

Organizations interested in partnering with Spectra or the Shuckers may contact Mike Brulatour at mike_brulatour@comcastspectacor.com or Jenifer Truong at jtruong@biloxishuckers.com.

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Shuckers play at MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information please visit biloxishuckers.com and follow us on Twitter @biloxishuckers and at facebook.com/biloxishuckers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Shuckers, Biloxi FD Teaming Up To Collect Supplies for Flood Victims in Louisiana

BILOXI, MS. – The Biloxi Shuckers are teaming up with the Biloxi Fire Department to collect supplies that will be distributed to those in need from the severe flooding in Louisiana.

The current items in need are as follows:

  • Bottled Water
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Liquid Products – Disinfectants
  • Baby Diapers/Wipes
  • Non-Perishable Food – that doesn’t required a can opener

The Shuckers will be collecting these items through Sunday’s game at the MGM Park front office on the northeast side of the stadium and at stadium gates during games.

The Shuckers continue their final homestand of 2016 tonight at MGM Park with the third game of a five game series against the Mississippi Braves. Tonight the Shuckers will be saluting Gulf Coast Police, Fire and EMS with First Responder Night.

Thursday is another Double Play Thursday, featuring $2 ballpark specials; Fridayis Strikeout ALS Night and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Biloxi Shuckers Drawstring Backpack, presented by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino; Saturday will be the final Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza of 2016 and also meet Marshall, Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol; Sunday is McDonald’s Family Fun Day, with pregame autographs and post-game catch on the field. It’s also SuperHero Night, presented by WXXV-TV; Monday is Cancer Awareness Night with the American Cancer Society. Tuesday, Aug. 30 the Shuckers will let the good times roll with Halfway to Mardi Gras Night; Wednesday, Aug. 31 is Fan Appreciation Night featuring a post-game team autograph session. For tickets go to Ticketmaster.com or biloxishuckers.com.

About the Biloxi Shuckers:            

The Biloxi Shuckers are the Double-A Affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and a member of the Southern League. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit biloxishuckers.com, follow the club on Twitter (@biloxishuckers), Instagram (@officialbiloxishuckers) or like the team on Facebook (facebook.com/biloxishuckers).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

M-Braves schedule ALS Awareness Nights

Braves to host several upcoming awareness nights to help ‘Strikeout ALS’

Mississippi-BravesThe Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce three upcoming ALS Awareness Nights, benefiting The ALS Association: July 3, July 12 and August 22. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, has no known cause or cure and progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord.

We’re honored to have the Mississippi Braves’ support,” said Brandi Nickles, Care Services Director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter of The ALS Association. “These events at Trustmark Park will bring a tremendous amount of awareness to the disease, as well as provide a fun event for those living with ALS and their families. In addition, the dollars raised from these events will provide much needed funding for research for finding a treatment and ultimately a cure for ALS.

ALS-logo2Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” said Steve DeSalvo, M-Braves General Manager. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.

Since the M-Braves are not home on July 4, the anniversary of Gehrig’s famous speech, the Double-A Braves will honor Gehrig’s legacy and raise money for the fight against ALS on July 3. The Braves will also hold a charitable Tennis Ball Toss following the game prior to the Supersized Fireworks Show Independence Day Celebration. All proceeds will go to the fight against ALS.

On July 12, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage jerseys with ALS patches on the sleeves. The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game. Players will sign their respective jerseys after the game before handing them over to the highest bidders. 100% of the auction proceeds go to the ALS Association. The Braves will also donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game.

On August 22, M-Braves players will wear special military/camouflage caps with the ALS and Mississippi Army National Guard logos incorporated on them. Similar to the jerseys, each cap will be signed by the player and auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the ALS Association. The first 1,500 fans through the gates will get one of the free replica caps. Once again, the Braves will donate $2 to the ALSA for every ticket purchased to the game along with 100% of that night’s proceeds from the post-game Tennis Ball Toss.

Walk-to-Defeat-ALSAs previously announced, the annual Walk to Defeat ALS has been relocated to Trustmark Park with the M-Braves commitment as presenting sponsor. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care. All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

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

M-Braves to host Walk to Defeat ALS

Trustmark Park to host awareness walk and other events September 27

MississippiBraves_2014-06-07

Mississippi-BravesIn conjunction with The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, the Mississippi Braves baseball team is proud to announce its commitment as presenting sponsor of the 2014 Jackson Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will host the annual event Saturday, September 27.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord. ALS has no known cause or cure, but the community is rallying together to help change that. The ALS Association is a perfect fit for the Mississippi Braves. M-Braves General Manager Steve DeSalvo has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Walk to Defeat ALS. Trustmark Park will also host other events over the weekend to raise more money and awareness for ALS.

Walk-to-Defeat-ALS“Minor League Baseball is a major supporter of The ALS Association because of baseball’s connection to Lou Gehrig,” DeSalvo said. “This year marks the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech. We’ve gotten behind the efforts of the Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter and plan to put on a lot of various events at Trustmark Park so we can help them not only find a cure but also a treatment for this fatal disease.”

Kelly Viator, Executive Director of The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, is excited to have the Braves on board. “We’re very grateful for the Mississippi Braves’ support of our signature event, the Walk to Defeat ALS,” Viator stated.

“This event builds awareness of ALS, raises funds to support patient services and research for treatment and a cure, and brings the community together for an important cause,” she said. “As the presenting sponsor and host for the walk, the Braves will have a significant impact on families living with ALS in the Jackson area. We’re looking forward to a successful partnership.”

In addition to hosting the Walk to Defeat ALS, the Braves will host A Night with The ALS Association on Thursday, July 10 in the Farm Bureau Grill at Trustmark Park. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and learn more about the work that The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter is doing in the Jackson area and how community business leaders can become involved as corporate supporters.

I was fortunate enough to accompany a group of pALS (persons living with ALS), caregivers, Chapter staff and friends on a trip to Washington D.C. in May to tell their story to the Mississippi legislature,” DeSalvo explained. “This has had a huge impact on me, and I want to ask the Jackson-Metro Area to help ‘Strike out ALS’.

For more information or to attend A Night with The ALS Association, contact Chelsea Moreau at 225-343-9880, ext. 6 or chelsea.moreau@alsalams.org.

Persons with ALS (pALS) will gather with their families and friends at The Walk to Defeat ALS, hoping their steps will make a difference for ALS patients living in Jackson. Many who walk have a loved one who is still fighting the deadly disease. Others walk in memory of a loved one. Some walk out of a simple concern for those who are suffering with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

With a life expectancy of only two to five years, patients have an urgent need, and the community is stepping in to fill it by walking for those who can’t. The Walk to Defeat ALS is The ALS Association’s signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, programs and patient care.

Last year’s events in Louisiana and Mississippi raised $535,000. The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter holds six walks throughout the two states annually. The chapter aims to raise $600,000 this year to continue ALS research and to extend local patient services programs. The Mississippi Braves baseball team is the first presenting level sponsor in the history of the Jackson walk.

All interested walkers should call 800-891-3746, or register online at http://web.alsa.org/Jackson2014.

About The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter

The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter was founded in April 2005 to serve the needs of those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers. The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. The Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter works with The ALS Association’s National Office to accomplish a shared mission. Our chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families living with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and national advocacy. The Chapter supports the National Office through revenue sharing and research contributions. The National Office supports the Chapters by providing up-to-date information and materials. For more information about The ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter, go to www.ALSALAMS.org.
About the Mississippi Braves

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

M-Braves Visit Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital

The Mississippi Braves visited to the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital on June 10th.  The team arrived to offer support and bring hope and happiness to children struck by injury and illness.

The Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital has treated over 150,000 children from over 82 counties in Mississippi last year. The hospital strives in treating every youngster who is in need and has never turned anyone way. The institution strives to be the best with its cutting edge equipment and state-of-the-art facilities, however, more is always needed.

During the M-Braves visit, players from all over the world visited with the kids,  signed autographs, and provided cheer to all those in need.

If you would like to donate to the Blair E. Batson Hospital, please visit childrenshospital.umc.edu/donate.html or to mail a contribution, please make it payable to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and send to the address below:

The Division of Public Affairs
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216

Willie Cabrera and Jordan Kreke playing Elefun with the children at Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of M-Braves)

Mississippi Braves and Bass Pro Shops Flood Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves along with Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Marine, and Uncle Bucks Grills have joined forces to aid the victims of the Mississippi River Floods.

On Monday, May 30, 2011, The Braves and Bass Pro Shops presented a $5,000 check to The Salvation Army to help jump start the relief effort. Furthermore, prominent members of the community such as Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner, Vice President of Business Development for MiLB Tina Gust, and Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers came to show their support and encouragement during this tragic time. The Salvation Army’s Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, MS State Representative Ray Rogers, and MS State Senator Dean Kirby also attended the pre-game ceremony.

The Braves further aided the cause by donating 100% of the revenue generated by a special silent auction during the game. The silent auction featured various items for fans to bid on, such as autographed baseballs, bats, photos, and jerseys of various Braves players.

As a further way of providing assistance, the M-Braves encouraged fans to donate items such as clothing, shoes, water, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene items to The Salvation Army. The Braves did so by providing fans who donated items to the cause a 50 percent discount on field seat tickets. Plus, the first 500 fans that donated items to the relief effort received their choice of a free Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann or Jeff Francoeur 8 x 10 color photo.

The Braves are still encouraging fans to continue to donate items for the relief effort, and drop them off at Trustmark Park throughout the year.

Check presentation to The Salvation Army. (From left to Right: General Manager of Bass Pro Shops Patrick Renegar, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/Corps Officer Captain Ken Chapman, and General Manager of the Mississippi Braves Steve DeSalvo
General Manager Steve DeSalvo helping load the donated items onto the Salvation Army Truck.

Mississippi Braves Partner with the Salvation Army for Southeastern Tornado Relief Efforts

The Mississippi Braves in conjunction with the Atlanta Braves, Gwinnett and Rome Braves, 680 the Fan and Rock 100.5, corporate partners, and The Salvation Army have joined forces to raise money, awareness, and support for the Southeastern tornado relief efforts. The Mississippi Braves parent club began the effort Monday, May 2, by donating $100,000 to The Salvation Army.

As Atlanta’s AA team in the heart of Mississippi, the M-Braves will be a central location in the Jackson Metro Area for a drive to collect the most needed items for the victims of the devastating tornados.

“The tragic impact these tornados have had on the entire Southeast Region have greatly impacted all of our lives and the community in which we live,” said M-Braves General Manager, Steve DeSalvo. “As a member of this great community, it is important that we work together to rebuild what was lost which is why the M-Braves wish to help in any way we can.”

In response to this announcement, Ken Chapman, Jackson, MS Area Coordinator/ Corps Officer, remarked, “The Salvation Army has always regarded the Braves as wonderful corporate citizens and we are grateful for their caring hearts to serve those in need during this time of devastation.”

Currently, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Teams have been deployed and are in the process of helping the thousands of people in need. In addition, The Salvation Army is asking for various donations which will be distributed across the six states devastated by these brutal storms including Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Below is a list of the various items most needed:

· Household items (Laundry detergent, bleach, towels, bed sheets, blankets)
· Toiletries (Toothpaste, mouthwash, body soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, razors, toilet paper)
· Paper kitchen products (Disposable dishes, utensils, cups, paper towels
· Baby Products (Diapers, formula, baby powder)
· Cleaning supplies (Mops, brooms, Lysol, trash bags)
· Flashlights
· First-aid kits
· Non-perishable food items (Canned/packaged food, bottled water, sports drinks)
· School supplies (paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, book bags, folders, etc.)