Northville Schools, NHS Baseball To Hit Home Run With Armed Forces Collection

Northville Schools, NHS Baseball To Hit Home Run With Armed Forces Collection  

“For…a baseball game, you would be sure to bring some gatoraid (sic), sunflower seeds, or maybe gum.  But here, there is no going back to the store for things to snack on,” revealed a soldier from a field artillery battalion.  “God bless…you..for the packages.  It’s good to know that we are not forgotten over here,” shared Sergeant First Class Ryan Francis of another battalion.  Both e-mails were sent last June from U.S. troops stationed overseas to Northville High School’s baseball program.  Many more letters were sent in appreciation for 50 boxes (weighing 35 pounds each) shipped last year to troops on-duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, as part of NHS Baseball’s Armed Forces Day efforts. 

Again this year, participating Northville Public Schools will team up with NHS Baseball during Armed Forces Week to collect items for U.S. troops.  (Celebrated annually since 1949, this national observance begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May.) Participating Northville Public Schools on the elementary level are Amerman, Ridge Wood, Silver Springs and Winchester.  Both middle schools and NHS also urge students to fill school collection boxes Monday through Friday, May 14-18. Collection will conclude at NHS Baseball’s Third Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration and Doubleheader on Saturday, May 19 at the NHS varsity field.  This well-attended event will add even more momentum to the 2012 varsity Mustangs’ game-winning juggernaut. 

Suggested donations of individually wrapped snack items include instant drink mix, beef jerky, licorice, cheese & cracker packs, chips, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, granola & cereal bars and hard candy.  Popular donations of individually wrapped toiletries include hand sanitizer, lip balm, wipes, body wash, SPF 45 sun block, zinc, vitamin E & other lotions, shampoo, Band-Aids, tissues, toothbrushes and toothpaste.  Other useful donations include CDs, DVDs, playing cards, small board games, Frisbees, pens, stationery, old cell phones and gallon-sized freezer bags.  Children’s drawings and letters of support, including sports news and top local stories, are also very well-received, and are frequently on display in the soldiers’ living quarters. 

“Don’t underestimate the impact you can make with these basic donations,” reminds Tracey Roberts of Michigan Military Moms, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.  She will oversee the shipment of all donations.  “Take a look at our wish lists.  Donate what you can.  When the war is over, stand among the people who supported their American troops.  Bring it on, Northville,” she cheerfully suggests. 

NHS Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach Bill Flohr’s commitment to perpetually enhance the initiative he founded is unwavering.  “Hearing from the troops drives home the importance of every toothbrush and pack of sunflower seeds we collect,” he enthuses.  "These simple things really boost their spirits. What does that say about the sacrifices they’re making for my family – for all of us?” 

A U.S. flag, flown on August 25, 2011 at Camp Sabalu-Harrison, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan will be raised and proudly fly overhead during Armed Forces Day at the NHS varsity field.  “Sergeant Francis not only sent his note of thanks, he sent us the flag flown at the base specifically in our honor,” shares Head Coach John Kostrzewa.  “No doubt about it.  We worked hard last year,” adds Coach Flohr.  “But that one incredible flag far outweighs the 1750 pounds of donations we sent.”                  

For more information, contact Bill Flohr at 248 761 9694 or info@precisionbaseballone.com.

Submitted by:  Katy Baetz-Matthews