When Ashley Cress leaves for the Dominican Republic this summer, among her most precious luggage will be items she’ll be giving away: as many used baseball and softball gloves as she can collect and carry.
The Norfolk Academy junior is embarking with 19 classmates on a week-long service trip to the Caribbean country, where they will teach locals English and baseball.
Because many of the camp participants won’t have their own equipment, Cress, 17, is collecting what she can for them (her school is also donating bats and balls). She placed a blue bin on four batting tees this week at the Virginia Beach Little League complex, for people to drop off donations by today.
“My family and I are very involved in Virginia Beach Little League and I am aware of the generosity that VBLL has to offer,” she wrote in an email to members of the organization. “I would greatly appreciate any donations.”
Cress found 11 gloves in the bin after her first day of collections, she said. While she doesn’t have a goal in mind, she hopes to collect as many gloves as she can through today.
“But if needed, I can keep it out there longer,” she said.
Her trip, organized through Outreach 360 and Norfolk Academy, is June 11 to 18.
It will be Cress’ first service trip, she said. The softball third baseman added that she’s excited.
To donate, contact the Virginia Beach Little League at 757-426-7663 or its president, Kevin Quinn, at president@vbll.org.
