Sometimes motivation comes from the least likely of places. When 7-year-old Erin Ware was viewing a TV segment on Hurricane Katrina, she asked her big brother, Joey Quiros, "What toys are they going to play with now?" After a quick moment, Joey had an idea. He then called his friends, Matt Mege, Chris Witcomb, Michael Gattus and Bobby Thomas. Together, they brainstormed and created Project Playball.

After contacting the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, the boys are in the process of collecting gently-used baseball and softball equipment, which they intend on sending to their peers in the south. The thought that some of these kids lost everything and that they can't even play ball is hard to comprehend. These boys want to make a difference, Donations are currently being accepted.

If anyone has any gently-used equipment that they are not using and would like to donate it to this worthwhile cause, it would be greatly appreciated. Students may bring their equipment to Mr. Zampaglione's office at MacArthur High School or Mr. Mulligan's office at Salk Middle School. In addition, for people who would like to donate, but do not have any children in school, neighborhood drop-off points have also been established, In Forest City in Wantagh at Bobby Thomas' house (2841 Lawrence Drive); in Levittown at Matt Mege's house (50 Swing Lane ); also in Wantagh at Chris Witcomb's house (206 Twin Lane N.); and in Seaford at Michael Gattus' house (818 Flowerdale Drive).

Donations are being accepted from now until March 30. If you have any questions, please call Joe Quiros at 520-8774; Matt Mege at 579-2741; Chris Witcomb at 221-8453); Michael Gattus at 735-1047; or Bobby Thomas at 679-2342.

Please help them Make a Difference!