U-16 softball team gives toys for kids in Orleans County

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Members of the U-16 Lady Dukes softball team donated a bunch of toys to the Elks Lodge in Albion. The Elks have since given those toys to shared with students in the Albion school district.

The U-16 team includes Aubrielle Barry of Albion, whose parents Lisa and Chris Barry are both members of the Elks.

The Lady Dukes play their home games at Niagara-Wheatfield High School. They practice every Wednesday and Sunday, and play in many tournaments with most of their 70 to 75-game season in June and July. Most of the players are from Niagara and Erie counties.

Many of the team members were in Albion last Saturday to drop off the toys. The Lady Dukes they attended the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade featuring more than 30 lighted floats in Albion.

Pictured in front from left include: Jenna Linderman, Madyson Flint, Madison Miller and Giana Fiorella.

In back include Lynda Standish, secretary of the Elks; Mike Jenks, exalted ruler of the Elks in Albion; Kyle Flint, Lady Dukes coach; Lillyana Dunsworth; Aubrielle Barry; Nicole Miller, assistant coach; Richard Robb, leading knight; and Jen Stephenson, member of the Elks.

The team shopped for the gifts at Target on Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Coach Flint said the players were enthusiastic about picking out toys for kids in the Albion school district.

“It was awesome to see the girls giving back,” he said.

Other team members not in the photo include Addison MacDougal, Ava Fraser, Grace Ortman, Leah Skurzewski, Leighton King and Zoie Downey.