The Miami Marlins stepped up to the plate for education as they joined forces with the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, making an impact off the baseball field and handing out necessary school supplies to bright-eyed students. According to WSVN, Marlins pitcher and 2022 Cy Young winner Sancy Alcantara along with his teammates were welcomed with cheers and applause by the kids at Lenora B. Smith Elementary School on Friday, as they delivered more than just pencils and backpacks; they brought hope and encouragement.
Describing the heart of the event, “When I was little, I don’t have this type of support, you know, but now I have the opportunity to be here, you know, giving back to them, and I feel so proud about it," Alcantara told WSVN. Pablo Lau, president of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana also shared with WSVN the emotional response from the children saying, “These kids coming out and chanting, ‘Let’s go, Marlins,’ as they get their supplies, it’s heartwarming.” The involvement from the Marlins extended far beyond this single location, as the initiative swept across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, reaching more than 10,000 children with the gift of learning tools.
Not only did the athletes take time to connect with the students, but the gesture also carried the support of the entire Marlins leadership, which an announcement on social media platform also echoed, “School is back! 🎒 Marlins players and leadership help local students start the year strong with new supplies!” read a post from the team's official account on X. This outreach was part of a week-long effort by the Marlins to bring the same enthusiasm for the upcoming school year as they do for baseball.
School is back! 🎒
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) August 23, 2024
Marlins players and leadership help local students start the year strong with new supplies!@KiwanisKCLH @amazon @MarlinsImpact pic.twitter.com/BM2MvRx4bz
