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Youth Baseball Team Helps Pirate Toy Fund Year-Round

2024-12-05

Ogden, N.Y. (WHAM) - The Pirate Toy Fund operates year-round with the combined efforts of a dedicated team. It's a unique occasion where a sports team's counting skills take a backseat as they focus on giving. The Greece Gladiators 10U baseball team made a significant visit to the PTF headquarters. They signed cards, donated toys, and got a tour of the facility. This event holds great importance as it shows how children in the community can come together to help their peers. Lorie Simonetti, a co-founder of the PTF and the grandmother of a team member, emphasized the significance. She said, "This is going to be a great event because it's going to be the children in the community that are helping the kids. When the little ones donate during the toy drive, it helps them learn about giving and goes to those in need." Coach Rick Palmiero also shared his perspective. He said, "The Pirate Toy Fund is near and dear to our hearts. My family and I help throughout the year. It's bigger than baseball. It's about teaching our kids to be beneficial for different things, especially during the holiday season."

Full-Circle Moments for Some Kids

It was a remarkable experience for some kids as they witnessed parents teaching them about the Pirate Toy Fund. Simonetti further explained, "I think it's great that parents are teaching their children about us. Some of these kids actually received our toys through our program and are now giving back because of that. It shows the power of giving and how it can create a positive cycle."

The Holiday Season Goal

The Pirate Toy Fund has set an ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 toys for kids in need this holiday season. The toy drive continues on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kinecta Federal Credit Union (3606 Mt. Read Blvd., Greece) and on Saturday at The Strong National Museum of Play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toys can be dropped off at various locations during normal business hours, including Wegmans, Lattimore Physical Therapy, Mark’s Pizzeria, CountryMax, Van Bortel Automotive Group, Eastview Mall, Marketplace Mall, The Mall at Greece Ridge, and The Strong National Museum of Play. Additionally, people can click HERE to donate to the drive online.

Community Involvement and Impact

The efforts of the Pirate Toy Fund and the participation of the Greece Gladiators 10U baseball team have a significant impact on the community. It shows that even a small act of giving can make a big difference. As more and more people come together to support this cause, the hope is to bring joy to countless children during the holiday season. It's not just about toys; it's about creating a sense of community and teaching valuable lessons about kindness and giving. The Pirate Toy Fund serves as a shining example of how teamwork and community spirit can make a real impact on the lives of those in need.