Safe Addition: SWB adds Sensory Safe Suite

 

MOOSIC, PA (May 5, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at PNC Field. Suite 6 on the Geisinger Champions Club Level will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to help better enjoy the game.

The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a comforting, relaxing and less stimulating space for guests to experience RailRiders games while still being fun and functional. This allows guests in the suite to decompress and enjoy baseball with their family away from the louder, hectic and often over-stimulating environment in other areas of the ballpark.

“We are happy to sponsor this great initiative with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate SWB RailRiders” states Dr. Joan Fallon the CEO of Curemark. “Bringing baseball with the creation of this space affords individuals with autism and special needs and their families a day or night at the ballpark. At Curemark, we feel that these families should have a sensory safe space so that our National Pastime is accessible and enjoyable for all”.

For the 2021 season, one family will be chosen to use the room per game at no charge. In accordance with PNC Field capacity restrictions, the Sensory Safe Suite can have a party of up to 12 people on any given game night. Families can request use of the room by filling out the request form on the Sensory Safe Suite page under the Community tab.

Fun and Function designed the look and furniture for the Sensory Safe Suite. Fun and Function is a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces for the Brooklyn Cyclones.

“We are thrilled to work with Curemark to create this new suite at PNC Field,” said Jordan Maydole, the RailRiders Director of Community Relations. “This is a truly important space to add to our great ballpark and we anticipate expanding the features and capacity as time goes on. With Curemark’s help, we look forward to making a difference in how children can experience RailRiders games.”

The RailRiders will be working with local non-profit groups such as Brighter Journey’s, Abilities 21 and SAFE to promote awareness of the Sensory Safe Suite and have the opportunity to request access.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, please visit swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.

Coca-Cola Park to host Covid-19 vaccinations 5/6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Ventola

Office: 610-841-1317

[email protected]

Coca-Cola Park to host Covid-19 vaccinations on

Thursday, May 6 at the IronPigs’ home game

From 5-7 p.m. the Allentown Health Bureau will administer Covid-19 vaccines at the entrance plaza

Allentown, Pennsylvania (5 May 2021) – Getting vaccinated is a GRAND SLAM! The Allentown Health Bureau is coming to Coca-Cola Park on Thursday, May 6 from 5-7 p.m. to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to adults 18 and older just prior to the IronPigs game that evening at 7:05pm.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are encouraging everyone 18 and older to get vaccinated. For those who do receive a vaccination tomorrow, Thursday, May 6, those individuals can show their new vaccination card at the Provident Bank Ticket Office and receive a FREE game ticket to the game to see the IronPigs play the Rochester Red Wings immediately after their shot.

“We want to do our part to encourage vaccinations so that all of us can return to ‘normal’ as soon as possible and to help keep our entire community healthy,” said Kurt Landes, President and General Manager of the IronPigs. “It’s time to strike out Covid once and for all. Ballparks have hosted vaccination drives before, but never AT a game and while providing a free game ticket in return.”

“We’re trying to cover all our bases and get the vaccine into as many arms as possible,” said Allentown Health Bureau Director Vicky Kistler. “We’re happy to partner with the IronPigs to score more victories over the COVID-19 virus.”

The Allentown Health Bureau is distributing only the Moderna vaccine. Guests who receive a Covid-19 vaccination on Thursday, May 6 will be able to receive their second dose on Thursday, June 3 at the Allentown Fairgrounds any time from 8:30-2:30 p.m.

In addition to hosting the vaccinations, it is Nurses Night, presented by Bayada Home Service at the IronPigs game tomorrow evening and it is also the first Happy Hour of the year featuring $1 Berks hot dogs and alcoholic drink specials from 5-7pm.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

Cutters Honoring Frontline Heroes in 2021

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters are honoring essential workers during the upcoming 2021 season.

The program, called Frontline Heroes, is presented by UPMC and will honor an essential worker in pregame ceremonies at every Cutters home game this season.

Cutters Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “As we all know, frontline and essential workers were all heroes, and continue to be, during the pandemic. If this was a normal year, we’d have a full night in their honor. But faced with very limited stadium capacity that was unfortunately impossible. In lieu of that, we will shine the spotlight on one of these extraordinary heroes each night to represent the countless essential workers who have continually gone above and beyond every day in our community.”

To nominate your Frontline Hero, simply fill out the short online nomination form available by CLICKING HERE. Those chosen will receive;

  • 4 tickets to the selected game
  • A $25 Cutters gift card
  • Recognition on the field prior to the game
  • & Ceremonial 1st pitch honors

Frontline and essential workers comprise numerous professions including but not limited to; medical personnel, teachers, fire and emergency personnel, police officers, service and hospitality workers, grocery and retail workers and many more. Nominations will remain open until all 34 available spots have been filled.

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and all May and June games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

Charitable Tuesdays Return in 2021

 

Again this season, the Williamsport Crosscutters will present Charitable Tuesdays. The program, presented by Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing, gives local non-profit organizations a no-cost opportunity to have a presence at Historic Bowman Field, for the purpose of educating fans about their organization.

One organization will be featured at each of the Cutters six Tuesday home games and receive;

  • A display table in the stadium to display and distribute promotional literature and materials
  • A live on-field interview before the game
  • Ceremonial 1st pitch honors for the organization
  • A $500 donation to the non-profit courtesy of Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing and the Crosscutters, presented during an on-field ceremony

Interested non-profit organizations must apply online at BY CLICKING HERE to be considered for one of the six available opportunities. The deadline for applications is May 31. More information is available by contacting the Cutters Director of Community Relations, Sarah Budd at (570) 326-3389 or via email at [email protected].

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

Annual Cutters 5K Race Set for June 12

 

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in partnership with Hope Enterprises, will be holding the Annual Cutters 5K on Saturday, June 12 at Historic Bowman Field sponsored in part by; Hamilton Patriot, Horizon FCU, iHeart Media, Lamar, Muncy Bank & Trust, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, & Woodlands Bank.

The race, through Williamsport’s West End, begins at 9am with registration open at 8am. The course has runners starting outside the ballpark entrance with the final leg taking place inside the stadium. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the event.

All proceeds benefit the Hope Foundation and Hope’s TeenLink facility. The TeenLink site, located next to the McCall Middle School in Montoursville, is a community-based learning opportunity for local school districts, BLaST IU 17, autism support coordination and Hope individuals.

“Hope Enterprises is honored to once again be the beneficiary of the 2021 Cutters 5k race,” stated Hope’s CEO/President Rob Labatch. “We are blessed to have the support of the Williamsport Crosscutters, as their devotion to the philanthropic needs of our community is truly remarkable.”

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place runners in seven male and female age categories with the first-place runners having the opportunity to throw out ceremonial first pitches at the Williamsport Crosscutters game on June 19. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female walkers. In keeping with
health and safety guidelines, there will not be a Kids Fun Run held in conjunction with the event this year.

Last year’s race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s event will follow CDC guidelines including masking during check-in, and post-race awards along with a timed staggered start to assure safety and social distancing.

Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi said, “The Cutters 5K continues to be one of our signature charity events and are thrilled that we can bring it back this year after a year layoff. We are long-time supporters of Hope Enterprises and their mission and are happy to assist in supporting all they do in our community.”

Registration is $20 per person. All participants registering by June 1 are guaranteed a free a race t-shirt. Online registration is available at FalconRaceTiming.com (click on Registration). Entry forms and more information can be found by clicking the link below, or at the Crosscutters offices at Historic Bowman Field. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

CLICK HERE A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM & FOR MORE CUTTERS 5K INFO!

Little League Field Renovation Thanks to Savage Auto Group

 

On Tuesday, March 27th Savage Auto Group broke ground on an exciting project. Through Baseballtown Charities and the help of two experienced athletic field experts, the organization funded the renovation of two Little League fields in the Liberty Complex. This offseason makeover will allow for better playability, a professional setup, and safer play.

After four days of around the clock work, the project was extremely successful! The development was led by Dan Douglas, Head Groundskeeper for the Reading Fightin Phils and Todd Vanek, owner of King Sports Turf. Douglas says that the fields will be in impeccable condition for the athletes to play on when the time comes. “Safe fields start with proper construction. We were able to reconstruct the infields so that they transition seamlessly to the existing outfields.”

In preparation for the start of the baseball season, the Wilson fields, Liberty 2 and Coach Pitch, were restored and modernized in the highest-quality manner. The infield was laser graded with superior infield mix and the edges were cut cleanly to correctly integrate and allow for proper water runoff. This creates an even and level playing field and generates a better drainage system for rain.

Additionally, base anchors were reset to match the new infield grade. The bases on both fields were set at 60’ and each field had new bases, professional quality home plates, and pitching rubbers installed. Additionally, Liberty 2 received a newly constructed 46’ pitcher’s mound.

Thanks to Savage Auto Group, these players will get to utilize a high caliber, safe field built by experienced hands. Baseballtown Charities encourages other teams and facilities to consider updating and renovating their fields to better suit their athletes. President of Savage Auto Group, Tim Profit, notes the positive impact this project will have for the kids in Reading and the surrounding areas. “It is important for us to be involved in the community, especially to create a constructive environment for kids to have a safe place to play,” said Profit. “While the field renovations do just that, they also represent something that the baseball teams can be proud of and work to take care of. We are excited to be a part of it and encourage other groups to do the same.”

Baseballtown Charities helps support expanding the sport of baseball in the greater Reading community. Having a safe, first-rate place to play is equally as important to those trying out Little League for the first time and baseball veterans. Thanks to Savage Auto Group, many kids will have the opportunity to play ball in a beautiful park. If this is something you, your team, or your complex would like more information about, please feel free to contact [email protected].

The Liberty Complex is located at 836 Ruth Street, Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania 19608. Wilson Youth Baseball occupies these fields and is a parent and community-based organization committed to “Teaching integrity, respect, and sportsmanship on the field and in the game of life.”

Now Hiring: 2021 Game Day Staff

 

MOOSIC, PA (March 17, 2021) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are partnering with 1st Alert Security to hire select seasonal staff for the 2021 season. 1st Alert Security handles local staffing needs for Pocono Raceway and Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

RailRiders – 1st Alert Security Employment Application

The RailRiders are seeking energetic individuals to fill a variety of game day roles, including suite attendants, guest services, ushers, ticket takers and greeters. The team also utilizes game day staff to work parking, bag checks and security. Applicants must be 16 or older and individuals under the age of 18 will need to provide the proper documentation to be eligible for work.

Interested individuals can print the application and email it to [email protected]. All emails can be sent to the attention of Brian Fisher.

Additional questions regarding RailRiders staffing can be directed to Nick Bolka via email. He can be reached at [email protected].

Legends, the official catering, concessions and merchandise provider of the RailRiders, is also hiring. Legends is seeking retail associates, concession stand managers and workers, cashiers, prep and grill cooks, general kitchen help, roving vendors and suite attendants and servers. All Legends employees must be 18 years of age and willing to work nights, weekends and holidays. Interested applicants can fill out the Legends application and return it to Rich Kloss via email at [email protected].

Legends Application

The 2021 season begins on the road May 4 at Syracuse and at PNC Field one week later, May 11, against Lehigh Valley. For more information on the 2021 season, call (570) 969-2255.

IronPigs unveil “Step Up To The Plate” T-Shirt for local restaurants

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Ventola

Office: 610-841-1317

[email protected]

IronPigs unveil “Step Up To The Plate” T-Shirt for local restaurants

100% of the proceeds will help local restaurants that have been affected by COVID-19

Allentown, Pennsylvania (2 March 2021) – The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are asking fans all throughout the Lehigh Valley to “Step Up To The Plate” in raising money for local restaurants that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The message “Step Up To The Plate” draped across the middle of the t-shirt with FeRROUS swinging with a fork is now available for purchase to all fans.

“It’s been a difficult year for local restaurants and we simply want to help by ‘Stepping up to the Plate’,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Restaurants in the Lehigh Valley and around the country have been heavily affected by Covid-19. 100% of the proceeds of from the sales of this t-shirt will help local restaurants.”

The t-shirts are $22 and are available for purchase at shopironpigs.com.

Follow the IronPigs on Twitter at @IronPigs and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/LHVIronPigs.

The IronPigs are presented by Capital BlueCross.

–#OinkOn–

R-Phils Open Internship Program for 2021

 

The Reading Fightin Phils, Class AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are seeking hard working, goal-oriented and attention to detail individuals for the 2021 internship program. The internship requires a great amount of dedication throughout the baseball season. The Reading Fightin Phils Internship program will provide a great opportunity for interns looking to immerse themselves in a full-service sports and entertainment venue. The R-Phils are looking for dedicated individuals who are enthusiastic and possess skills to handle day-to-day operational tasks and create a positive, fun-filled environment for our fans, staff, and sponsors.

The Reading Fightin Phils Internship is a great learning experience. Upperclassman and recent college graduates have the opportunity to get directly involved and gain hands on experience in multiple aspects of Minor League Baseball including marketing, sales, ticket operations, customer service, concessions, public relations, graphic design and many other aspects of the sports industry. Interns work directly with the front office staff to get an overview of all of the different positions.

Full time interns may work approximately 25-40 a week during the offseason and 40-80 hours a week during the season. The R-Phils are looking for enthusiastic and eager individuals to join the front office staff as an intern. Interns are hired on a rolling basis beginning in April and lasting 4-6 months. Interns will gain experience in multiple departments including but not limited to: ticket sales, group tickets, concessions, operations, promotions, merchandise, video production, and graphics.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Internship Coordinator Mike Robinson at [email protected] or call 610-375-8469 x 229. Application deadline is Friday, February 26.

Check out the Fightin Phils intern alumni and their current jobs: Reading Fightin Phils Alumni

IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

 

IronPigs Charities Presents $37,400 in Community Grants

Grants were provided in support of educational and recreational programs

Allentown, Pennsylvania (9 February 2021) – IronPigs Charities presented by Air Products, the philanthropic branch of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, announced the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants. Grants, which totaled $37,400, were provided to the following organizations in support of educational and recreational programs for youth in the Greater Lehigh Valley, especially those in underserved populations or those who are differently abled. IronPigs Charities has donated $1,118,729 since 2007.

“2020 was a hard year for the nonprofit community,” said IronPigs Charities Director Emily Bettys. “Despite not having a baseball season where our typical in-game fundraising efforts take place, the IronPigs had to create unique fundraising opportunities to directly benefit the community grant program for IronPigs Charities. We were able to continue our mission without interruption by funding 14 worthy projects across the Lehigh Valley, thanks to the loyal support of the IronPigs fanbase. We feel honored to have the ability to back these programs as they adapt with the times and strive to go above and beyond in making a difference for a community that had their resources cut tremendously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Here is a full list of the 14 recipients of the 2021 Community Grants:

Boys and Girls Club of Allentown: Istation and virtual yoga at Sixth Street Clubhouse

Boys and Girls Club of Easton: Triple Play Sports, Fitness, & Recreation Program

Camelot for Children: Engagement for Children with Disabilities

Center for Vision Loss: Camp I CAN! Summer Program

Children’s Home of Easton: Health & Wellness Program

Community Bike Works: Online Earn a Bike

EHS Angel Network: EHS Angel Network Resource Closet – Athletic Apparel

Foundation for Easton School – Paxinosa Elementary School: Paxinosa National Pastime Grant

Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley: Off-Season Activities

Special Olympics PA’s Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region: Get Team Bethlehem to the Special Olympics North America 2021 Softball Tournament

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties: Infusion of Inclusion 2.0 Program

The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth: The Fund to Benefit Children and Youth

The Salvation Army Foster Care and Adoption: Team is Family Sports Scholarship Program

Young Life Lehigh Valley: Young Life Summer Camping Financial Assistance

The IronPigs hosted a number of special events in 2020 that directly benefited IronPigs Charities. The first of its kind – a Character Cruise-thru was held as fans were guided through Coca-Cola Park’s lots in parade-style passing by more than 60 costumed cars. Due to much success, a second cruise event was added so more fans could participate. Between the two cruises, 2,000 cars participated in total and nearly $14,000 was raised with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit IronPigs Charities.

Ballpark Bingo was held on Wednesday evenings from July through November. The event gave guests an opportunity to play 12 rounds of bingo, eat ballpark food, and soak up the ambiance of Coca-Cola Park. Bingo nights raised over $26,000 for IronPigs Charities.

Suites N Treats, which provides an all-inclusive trick or treat experience for youth who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do so. Safety was the top priority as nearly 400 children were invited to walk the concourse along the ballpark for a socially distanced and safe trick or treat experience.

The IronPigs were not able to host games or any traditional events in 2020, but the front-office staff worked diligently to support their community partners by focusing all their efforts on funding IronPigs Charities.

IronPigs Charities is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ commitment to the Lehigh Valley community and is presented by the Air Products Foundation.

###

Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour Series

Event with Phillies Players and Coaches will begin on Feb. 4

The Reading Fightin Phils are pleased to announce the 2021 Phillies Winter Tour presented by Leibensperger Homes, Inc. The tour is six nights long and showcases never before seen interviews with players and coaches. It also includes a unique online auction with novelty R-Phils and Phillies items. All proceeds benefit Baseballtown Charities, its programs, and its facilities.

The tour begins on February 4 with an interview from Philadelphia’s top starting pitcher, Aaron Nola. Each Thursday thereafter, at 8pm Eastern Standard Time, those who join in will get access to an interview with a notable Phillies player or coach. Fans will learn about the player’s preparation for the 2021 season, hear untold stories about their time in Reading, and gain insight into their personalities. Each episode in the series will be streamed on Facebook live, Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube. The schedule is as following:

Thursday, February 4th 8pm (EST) – Aaron Nola
Thursday, February 11th 8pm (EST) – Zach Eflin
Thursday, February 18th 8pm (EST) – Andrew Knapp
Thursday, February 25th 8pm (EST) – Steve Noworyta
Thursday, March 4th 8pm (EST) – Alec Bohm
Thursday, March 11th 8pm (EST) – Dusty Wathan

In addition, the Fightin Phils will be hosting an online auction filled with sports collectibles. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind mementos and autographs to support Baseballtown Charities. The auction will close on March 11th at 9pm.

Executive Director of Baseballtown Charities, Tonya Petrunak emphasizes how excited the R-Phils are to partner with the Phillies for this event. “We are looking forward to hosting the first Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour and utilizing technology to support Baseballtown Charities mission of growing the game of baseball in our community,” Petrunak said. “The online format will be a fun way to bid on exclusive auction items, hear from front office leadership, and interact with their favorite Philadelphia Phillies.”

Baseballtown Charities is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded to keep baseball alive in Reading so youngsters can benefit from the many life lessons the game teaches. Also, help physically and developmentally challenged kids as well as those with financial challenges to have the opportunity to play baseball and softball. Support the growth and prosperity of Baseballtown Charities as it reaches throughout the community and touches many different types of people to allow everyone to benefit from the game of baseball.

Be a part of the show by becoming a sponsor of the Baseballtown Charities Phillies Winter Tour! Email Joe Bialek at jbialek@fightins.com to become a part of this big event. There are three levels of sponsorship with different volumes of participation, but every sponsor will be included in all six nights of the tour. Visit rphils.com/wintertour for more information!

Curve giving free ticket vouchers to area hospital employees

 

CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve are honoring health care employees at area hospitals with one free undated ticket voucher to any 2021 home game at Peoples Natural Gas Field as a thank you for their constant sacrifice for our health during the pandemic.

Hospital employees in Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Huntingdon counties will all be included. Specific health facilities include UPMC Altoona, Tyrone Regional Hospital, James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Nason Medical Center, UPMC Bedford, JC Blair Memorial and Conemaugh Memorial. Curve personnel will deliver tickets directly to the facilities for distribution among hospital staff.

Undated ticket vouchers can be used for any Curve home game during the 2021 season. Whenever employees wish to use their voucher, they may visit the PNG Field box office on the day of any Curve home game to exchange the voucher for a game ticket before entering the stadium. Vouchers can also be turned in for a specific game date after the 2021 game schedule is available. All seating is based on availability at the time of redemption.

-CURVE-

Erie’s Teams Host Drive-Thru Teddy Bear Toss and Toy Drive

 

The Erie SeaWolves, Erie Otters, and Erie BayHawks are teaming up to host a contactless drive-thru teddy bear toss and toy collection benefitting the Salvation Army of Erie on Saturday, December 19th from 10am-2pm.

Erie sports fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal or boxed toy to the collection point at the East 9th Street cul-de-sac at UPMC Park’s new main entrance. Staff will be on hand to receive donations from vehicles. Social distancing and personal protection protocols will be in place (masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) to ensure the health and safety of fans and volunteers. Fans are encouraged to pack their donations in a plastic bag.

All donors will receive free hot chocolate courtesy of Tim Hortons and special offers from the teams, including a coupon for 15% off a future purchase at the Erie SeaWolves or Erie Otters team stores.

Fans should be aware of ongoing construction to the Warner Theater and adjusted traffic patterns with East 9th Street closed between State and French street, and one lane traffic on French Street near the Warner Theater construction project. Access to the collection point can be found by heading south on French Street starting at the intersection with East 8th Street.

WHO: Erie SeaWolves, Erie Otters, Erie BayHawks, and Erie Events

WHAT: Contactless drive-thru teddy bear toss and toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army of Erie

WHERE: East 9th Street cul-de-sac at the main entrance of UPMC Park

WHEN: Saturday, December 19 from 10am-2pm

James E. Van Zandt VAMC partners with Altoona Curve for mask giveaway

1,000 face coverings to be handed out at PNG Field on December 18

CURVE, Pa. – The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center and the Altoona Curve will give away 1,000 face masks at Peoples Natural Gas Field on Friday, December 18.

The drive-through event in the PNG Field parking lot will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or while supplies last. Visitors shall remain in their vehicles and the traffic pattern. Masks will be handed to them by a Curve or VA staff member. Each black face mask features white logos of the Curve and the VA.

Both the Curve and the VA will also collect non-perishable food items during the mask giveaway. Collected items will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry and are not required to receive a mask.

FirstEnergy Stadium To Host Humane Pennsylvania

Paws & Claus event set for Saturday, December 12th

The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to team up with Humane Pennsylvania for their exciting Paws & Claus event this Saturday, December 12th from 12-3pm. Spike’s Pet Pantry is seeking donations to help keep their shelves well-stocked for our four-legged friends in need. Additionally, the Fightins Team Store will be open for holiday gifts, including R-Phils merchandise and discounted 2021 ticket books. Join us at America’s Classic Ballpark to support Humane Pennsylvania and the R-Phils.

The magnitude of this event cannot be understated. Due to the pandemic, there has been a higher than normal need for pet food. From 12-3pm, community members will have the opportunity to donate pet food and in exchange will receive a complimentary family photo with Santa in front of his tiny house. The event will run as a drive thru food donation drop off in the parking lot of FirstEnergy Stadium. Everyone is asked to remain in their vehicle throughout the donation process. Then, each family will be escorted to take their photo with Santa. Families can remove their masks for the photo, but must put them back on immediately after. Pups are encouraged to join in on the photo, but will not be able to be taken off leash or in the photo by themselves. Through your generosity, Humane Pennsylvania is looking forward to filling their truck for the animals in need in our community!

Anyone who donates will also be given a 10% off coupon for the Fightins Team Store, presented by Steve Moyer Subaru. The store will be open for the entirety of the event for all your holiday shopping needs. The RPhils are excited to feature new gear while still showcasing traditional ballpark merchandise. There is a hat, sweatshirt, or jersey for everyone on your Christmas list! And, set your sights on the 2021 season by purchasing a ticket book or flex bank package. For a limited time, holiday deals are available!

“This event will provide much-needed Christmas cheer to the community, but also help us stock Spike’s Pet Pantry,” said Lauren Henderson, Director of Events & Corporate Relations at Humane Pennsylvania. “Everyone is encouraged to stop by FirstEnergy Stadium with a bag of dog and/or cat food between 12-3pm and receive a complimentary family photo with Santa! This donated pet food will help hungry pets in need over the coming winter months. And in return receive a COVID safe, but cheerful Santa photo. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

This year alone Spike’s Pet Pantry has donated over 268,000 pounds of pet food to pet caretakers in need. Paws & Claus will be a fun and significant event to benefit the community. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. Come give back with us to ensure that no pet goes hungry!

FirstEnergy Stadium is located at 1900 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19605. It is home to the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.