You can help the people of the Gulf Coast even if you can not go on our trip.  We are working to provide the Hancock County Mississippi with bats, balls, gloves, and other equipment.  The league lost everything in the storm and because of a lack of money, can not resupply itself.  But you can help!

We will be collecting new and used (if in good condition) softballs, baseballs, helmets, gloves, bats.  These supplies are for children and young teens, so pick bats and gloves accordingly.  We have been in the Olean Times Herald, on WPIG, and will be collecting equiptment at the Bona-Fordham basketball game.  Additionally, you can drop of fitems at SportsLocker in OLean or at my office in 231 Murphy on the SBU campus.  

From the Hancock County Litle League's website::

 "POST KATRINA UPDATE! As you might expect, it didn't go too well for Hancock County Little League either. We were at ground zero and lost everything. All of the equipment and uniforms are ruined and our 3 storage buildings floated off of their foundations. The ballfield is now being used by the FEMA as a temporary housing site and has about 100 travel trailers on the fields."

Updates:

I spoke with league officials on January 26th.  They are planning on sharing a complex with the teams in Waveland.  The leagues we are helping have about 16 boys teams and 13 girls teams (over 360 players!) The ages are from 5 to 18.

Also spoke with them on February 1, 2006.  They would like to thank everyone for their efforts so far.  Let's not let them down!  

How can you help?  

Donate:

• If you are local to the Olean area, the Sportslocker on State Street will be accepting drop-offs.  If you are on campus, the SBU softball team is also helping in the collection efforts. You can also drop them off at Jim Mahar's office in 231 Murphy or at the Softball office on Reilly Center.
• To donate money: makes checks payable to BonaResponds and have the memo listed as Little League.  Checks can be mailed to Jim Mahar Dept BY St. Bonaventure School of Business, St. Bonaventure NY 14778

• Get your team/league involved.  This is a great cause for softball or baseball teams to get involved with!  Ask your players to donate and collect materials.  We will then help transport the supplies to MS.
• Tell others:  speak with your local sporting goods stores.  Ask to put a box in their store for "drop-offs"
• If you live in a city with a Major League team (or even minor league team), ask them to help!  They may be willing to donate or put you in contact with players who may help build awareness.  Additionally, they may help with shipping costs.

I can not urge you to volunteer strongly enough.  You will be amazed at how much fun helping others can be!  Email Jim Mahar for information or on how you can help.