Groups seek used baseball gear for kids

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University’s softball team, YSU Recycling, YSU re:Create and community groups have teamed up to host “Hit a Home Run with Recycling” this weekend.

Used softball and baseball equipment will be collected during YSU’s doubleheader softball game with Wright State University on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at McCune Park in Canfield.

Those who donate equipment such as helmets, catcher’s gear, cleats, bats, gloves and balls will receive a free gift from The Green Team and Youngstown Litter Control & Recycling.

The Youngstown Police Athletic League, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club will distribute all of the collected equipment to Youngstown city children in need. The goal is to collect 2,010 pieces of used softball and baseball equipment.

To donate used equipment before and after the game date, other drop-off locations include the YMCA downtown and on McClurg Road in Boardman, the police chief’s office on the second floor of the Youngstown Police Department, YSU’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the Lake Milton State Park Office.

For more information, contact Sarah Ellis of YSU’s re:Create Program at (330) 941-2238, or Gary Williams, YSU assistant softball coach, at (330) 518-2706.