by Melissa Cunningham
The Churchville-Chili Travel Baseball (CCTB) Organization has always kept giving back to the community at the forefront of the program, ensuring that the players understand the value of being good community members. “Giving back is important,” states Krissy Rule (CCTB Board Member). A decision was made to kick efforts up a notch and have a more formal community service program for the teams. Melissa Cunningham and Michelle Johnson both have sons who play in the program and took the challenge head-on by organizing two fall events that individuals/teams could participate in at their own comfort level.
Adopt-A-Box is a program that is facilitated annually through Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili and helps provide food for families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Adopt-A-Box information was sent to all CCTB families, and the response was overwhelming. The program itself collected more than 50 bags of food and some CCTB families helped with the final packing on November 17. This year’s program provided food to over 800 families in our area. Participation in the program is easy; anyone in the community can participate in 2023 by reaching out to Pearce Memorial Church for more information.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Town of Chili initiated a reverse parade for Veteran’s Day that has become tradition for the town. The idea was to bring the parade to the veterans. “It was still important to show them respect and say thank you,” stated Melissa Cunningham.
Cunningham, who is also a member of the recreation committee for the town, thought the parade was a great opportunity for the boys to meet the veterans and hear their stories. On November 11, cars were decorated, horns were honking, and the kids were ready. Donning their Saints jerseys, they proudly shook hands with America’s heroes. Along the way, they met a Battle of the Bulge veteran who caught everyone’s attention by playing “God Bless America” on his harmonica. It was a special day on all accounts.
CCTB is proud of its players and their families for taking the time out to help their neighbors and honor our veterans. CCTB is more than just baseball; it is a strong community – one that is filled with generosity and a willingness to give back.
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