Shawn and Tina Griffin, a married couple from Naperville, Illinois, are preparing to ship a cargo of baseball gear to the coastal town of Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic. Their effort aims to give local children access to proper equipment and the joy of organized play.
A Community‑Driven Initiative
The idea originated during a previous visit to the Dominican Republic, when the Griffins witnessed youngsters playing with makeshift gear fashioned from tape and scrap wood. Moved by the scene, they resolved to collect new and gently used baseball items for the community.
Word spread quickly through family, friends, and local businesses. Play It Again Sports in Naperville contributed overstocked items and supplied lace for repairing gloves. Additionally, Kimberly Blitek, a nearby PE teacher, learned of the project and donated a substantial amount of sports equipment.
The accumulated donations have filled more than three full baseball equipment bags, ranging from bats and gloves to protective gear and apparel. Organizers plan to transport the items in a dedicated shipment bound for Las Terrenas.
Beyond the material support, the Griffins hope the equipment will spark enthusiasm for the sport among the island’s youth, fostering teamwork and healthy recreation. Their ultimate goal is to put smiles on as many faces as possible while encouraging a lifelong love of baseball.