COLTON>> Last week, Smart & Final opened a new store location in Colton, California.
To celebrate the event, as well as to show their appreciation for the local community, Smart & Final decided to give back to the public in the form of donations to Colton area organizations.
One such organization, Ken Hubbs Memorial Little League, was the recipient of a much needed $2,500 check.
Originally founded in the 1950’s, Ken Hubbs Memorial Little League prides itself on building strong character and values for Colton’s youth through the use of the Little League Baseball, Softball, and T Ball programs. The league is completely ran by volunteers. From the coaches and managers, to the board members.
Prior to receiving the Smart and Final donation, the league had fallen on hard times.
“We pretty much started our organization this year with a zero balance.” said Vivian Zaragoza, treasurer of Ken Hubbs Memorial Little League. “Within the time it took us to get everything going, our snack bar was shut down and our pitching machine was stolen.”
This meant that the teams had pay to use outside pitching machines. The money made through the snack bar goes to essential supplies the league needs to operate such as baseball’s, softballs, helmets, and supplies for the snack bar. “It’s hard enough on the parents, without asking them to pay an extra $20,” said Zaragoza.
In order to raise money K.H.M.L.L. began doing fundraisers and the league’s volunteers began using their own money to keep everything running.
“The donation came just in time,” said Zaragoza. “We needed a little more hope and it gave us an extra push.”
K.H.M.L.L. plans to use the money to buy a new pitching machine. “First things first,” said Zaragoza. “We need our batting cages up and running.”
Ken Hubbs Memorial Little League expressed their gratitude to Smart & Final. “Smart & Final coming into our city is a blessing. We weren’t expecting that much and that donation just lifted our spirits. William Pena, Smart & Final Regional Growth Rep., is an amazing person. So are all the people who work for the city.”
Zaragoza also expressed appreciation to Frank Navarro, Colton’s 3rd District Councilman, who recently helped the league repair a broken set of stairs. “I took a picture and sent it to Frank Navarro. Within a day, it was being fixed. That’s what our city’s all about. Its wonderful to know There are so many amazing people out there willing to help.”