Hite Saunders Little League in Huntington, West Virginia, was a recipient of a PIFBS equipment grant in 2020, and received an equipment grant in 2021 as part of the Little League and DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Equipment Grant Program. For this initiative PIFBS sent out 3,560 kits to 366 Little Leagues across the country. The leagues would then give those kits to kids most in need of gear to help provide support to families.
A flood had destroyed one of their fields, and it had taken four years to get it in shape for the 2020 season. On top of that, the league shared that more than 40% of its families were unable to pay for registration and uniforms at the start of the year, so the league sought assistance in providing equipment to them.
“Thomas was a 12-year-old ball player that had wanted to become a catcher this past season. With your donation of catchers gear he got the chance. He developed into a great little catcher. His confidence grew each game and by the last 6 games he became our starting catcher. When he was behind the plate everything improved. He became one of our most reliable hitters and he gave 110% every time he was in the game.” – Michael Christian, Fundraising Director
· Years Involved:2020, 2021