Dick Uliano, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Superstorm Sandy victims in New Jersey will receive a truckload of supplies thanks to a Washington Nationals infielder and his dad.
“Anyway we can help, we’re going to try,” says the Nats 24-year-old second baseman Steve Lombardozzi Jr., who batted .273 in his second season with the Nationals.
When he and his dad saw televised images of the people suffering from the superstorm, they decided they would collect donations and deliver the goods to the needy.
Steve’s dad, Steve Lombardozzi Sr., was a second baseman for the 1987 World Series champion Minnesota Twins and is currently the baseball coach at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md.
“My dad came up with the idea of trying to get some stuff together, get a van…and take it up there to help whoever we could,” says Lombardozzi Jr.
“We’re trying to spread the word out, we’re going to get clothes, food, water, whatever we can get and take it up next week to help the victims.”
The Washington Nationals signed on to the Lombardozzis’ plan and enlisted the services of the team’s official mover, JK Moving Services, which is providing a 35-foot truck to carry the goods.
The baseball father and son are asking for donations of things including canned goods, powdered milk, diapers, soap, blankets and cleaning materials. Also needed are household supplies, like plastic garbage bags, plastic utensils and duct tape. Personal care items wanted include soap, wipes, toilet paper and first-aid kits.
Through Friday, donations can be dropped off at Nationals Park, Nats team stores at Tysons Corner and Dulles Town Center and at Good Counsel High.
“I’m excited to just try to help and make an impact,” Steve says.
Additional information is available at mlb.com/sandyrelief.
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