On behalf of my 7-year-old sister and my friends who assisted in initiating Project Playball (Chris Witcomb, Bobby Thomas, Matt and Andrew Mege, Lauren Kenny and Michael Gattus), I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of our community who so generously gave their time and/or donated baseball and softball equipment in our quest to help our peers in Louisiana.

Levittown South Wantagh Baseball, Levittown Central Baseball and Levittown North Baseball all stepped up to the plate as soon as they were contacted. Mr. Weggeland and Mr. Mulligan at Salk Middle School helped us store all of the bats and helmets that students brought in from home, as well as Mr. Zampaglione at MacArthur High School, who can always be counted on to help out when asked. Thank you to Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes and Legislator Dennis Dunne, Sr. for all of your support. We extend a big thank you to the Republican Club who generously provided coverage of the shipping costs.

We would also like to thank the most important people of all, who often get overlooked despite everything that they give to us - our mothers. You serve as our friends, our mentors and our inspiration. Thank you for instilling in us the importance of giving back and helping others. You are the best.

Joseph Quiros and Erin Ware