It’s heartwarming to see the rapid response and donations
Hollister Little League received after having 80 percent of its
baseball equipment stolen from a storage shed late last week.
It’s heartwarming to see the rapid response and donations Hollister Little League received after having 80 percent of its baseball equipment stolen from a storage shed late last week.
On Monday, the Free Lance ran an article about thieves who shattered a door to a storage shed at Veterans’ Memorial Sports Complex and took hundreds of dollars worth of gear including chest guards, shin guards and more than 200 baseballs. The theft happened just two days before the District 9 All-Star tournament for 9- and 10-year-olds. Frustration about the break in has been compounded by an uptick in tagging and vandalism at the park.
It’s tough for the program because money raised by the kids has gone toward replacing equipment and cleaning up behind the vandals, Little League President Joe Tonascia said.
Little League had enough old equipment to play the tournament over the weekend. Still, it’s dispiriting that people would steal equipment from an organization that does so much for hundreds of kids in our area. It’s hard to imagine what someone would do with 200 baseballs and a bunch of chest protectors. It’s a senseless crime that only hurts children.
While it would be easy to dwell on the negatives of such a story, there is a bright spot, too.
Within a few hours of the paper hitting the street Monday, Hollister Pontiac GMC owner Dave Spencer stepped up with a $500 donation for the organization. The Exchange Club also has donated money and we’re sure others are considering chipping in.
“Little League was a big part of my childhood as I’m sure it was for many other people, and hearing about this just really hit home,” Spencer said.
And it’s great that this community has people like Spencer and members of the Exchange Club who are willing to step up to the plate with donations to ensure area kids have a chance to play ball.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to [email protected]
