Chandler (Ariz.) National Little League might be known for its alumni – including New York Yankees infielder Cody Bellinger, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft – but it is also known for giving back in big ways in the Chandler community.
Each year, the league hosts a mid-season fundraiser, raising money for both the league and for an organization or cause within the community.
“By the time our big carnival rolled around, the baskets of items kept on coming and coming. It was a massive hit. We gathered them all up and took them to our League Player Agent’s house,” said Doug Brewster, Chandler National Little League President. “From there, we took them down to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It was really a phenomenal sight to see.”
Before the fundraiser, the organizers of the event sent out lists of items they were looking to include in each care package. On the day of mid-season celebration, league families arrived at the donation tent with pillows, stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons, books, Hot Wheels cars, Legos, journals, Play-Doh, other miscellaneous items, and backpacks. In total, enough items were collected to create 180 care packages.
“One of the most memorable moments was seeing all the kids coming up with care packages with their parents and dropping them off and seeing all of the items together,” said Brewster. “Everyone’s eyes lit up. They were so proud of what we were doing. That gave me and the rest of the team the confidence that we were really doing something special and that we did well with this one.”
It is no surprise that the league had such a great turnout. Not only has the league earned the name, the “Chandler National” family, but the sense of community goes beyond the field. In previous years, the city has helped the league host a team from Chinese Taipei to play baseball, creating an international friendship. In return, the league and city then sent a team to Chinese Taipei to see their community and program, as well.
“Our volunteers, both in our league and from the city, see big value in youth sports,” said Brewster. “They really see what Little League Baseball and Softball stand for. Everyone is involved. No one gets turned away. There are no tryouts. If you sign up, you’re playing. Our community has expressed a love for that inclusive attitude, because other programs don’t share those core values.”
After seeing the smiles on the faces of the…
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