by Dennis Dalman
Thanks to what’s called a “Junior Twins Equipment Kit,” the St. Joseph Recreation Department will be able to keep registration costs low and make ball games more accessible for young people.
The department was recently notified it would receive a Junior Twin Equipment Kit from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. The equipment from the “Kit” will be used by girls and boys ages 5-14 playing T-Ball, Soft Toss, Coach Pitch and Softball, said Rec Department Director Rhonda Juell.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for us to improve our programs,” she said.
Established in 1991, the Minnesota Twins Community Fund’s mission is to enrich local and regional communities by providing resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins. Since its inception, the Fund has invested more than $24 million to support and empower youth through programs, grant-making and partnerships.
The Kits provide new equipment such as gloves, balls, bats, helmets and catcher’s sets. The Twins Community Fund and its grant programs are supported in part by its cornerstone partners (Target, US Bank, Treasure Island, Nike and Uponor) as well as fans across Minnesota Twins territory. The Junior Twins Equipment Kit Program is granting more than $100,000 worth of equipment kits to 27 youth baseball and softball organizations across Twins territory this spring.
“The Twins Community Fund is committed to making sure kids across Twins territory have the support, equipment and safe places to play the games they love,” said Kristin Rortvedt, executive director of the Twins Community Fund. “We’re proud to provide grants that help communities empower young people and foster belonging through these games.”
