Serafina Barry, 6, sister of 10U Abington Wildcat Annabella Barry, makes a Valentine’s Day card.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
10U Abington Wildcats Judy Riff, left, 9, and Maizie Davolos, 9, make Valentines for seniors.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Clockwise, from left, are Annabella Barry, 9, Alexia Stravinskas, 10, Riley Duggan, 9, and Sofia Adamsky, 10, shown creating Valentines for seniors.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
CLARKS SUMMIT — The softball players of the newly-formed 10U Abington Wildcats made Valentine cards at Hillside Park Community Center (Abington Senior Center) on Sunday, Jan. 31.
They, along with a few of their younger sisters, created them to be sent to local senior living facilities. The intent is for the residents to feel less lonely from the lack of visits caused by the pandemic.
The 9-to-10-year-old girls, which comprise the league, were glad to help the seniors and expressed their opinions about it.
“It’s so fun to help people out and make crafts because you’re making cards but for people that don’t get to see their families,” said Avery Kane.
“It just makes me happy to make things to make them happy,” said Annabella Barry.
“I think it’s good because seniors can’t see their grandchildren or even their own children,” said Riley Duggan.
“I think it’s nice because they don’t really get to see their families,” said Sofia Adamsky. “They get to read the cards, and it makes them feel good about themselves if they get something for Valentine’s Day.”
“I think it’s good because they don’t get to see anyone during COVID,” said Alexia Stravinskas. “So, getting Valentine’s Day cards will cheer them up.”
The softball players were accompanied by assistant coach Chris Jenkins, his wife, April, who organized the event, assistant coach Natalie Adamsky (Sofia’s mother) and head coach Jen Duggan (Riley’s mother). They put the softball team together last summer.
The 10U Abington Wildcats also collected care and comfort donations, which were brought in the senior center by community members. Two boxes were filled with items to also be sent to the senior living facilities, including books, crossword puzzles, tissues, socks, hard candies, toothpaste and deodorant.
People who brought in donations received a free raffle ticket for the Wildcats’ current fundraiser, where prizes will be won each day during the month of February. The winning numbers on the tickets will correlate with the Evening Pick 3 PA lottery numbers. The proceeds of the tickets will go to equipment, indoor practice facilities, and travel to tournaments.
The 10U (10 and under) Abington Wildcats is a division of the Abington Area Girls Softball League (AAGSL). Follow 10 Abington Wildcats on Facebook for calendar prizes.
