The public is invited to enjoy a little holiday baseball and celebrate the spirit of giving by attending the 5th Annual Holiday Toy Drive Baseball Tournament this weekend at Artesia Park.
The two-day event hosted by Artesia Park Baseball and the Artesia Diablos will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 22-23 at the park located at 18750 Clarkdale Ave.
The tournament showcases players ages 8-12 on 18 Southern California-based teams, including four teams from the city of Artesia. Players were required to donate one new-unwrapped toy to participate in the tournament -- the toys will be presented to local children in need during a special spaghetti dinner gathering at Artesia Park on the night of Friday, Dec. 21.
The tournament hosts will continue to accept toy donations at the park through the weekend, and the items collected will be distributed to youth in the area designated as children in need by local churches, food banks and women's shelters.
"Last year we collected more than 200 toys," said Martin Rodriguez, who is a member of the Artesia parent volunteer group. Rodriguez said a portion of the toys collected this year will also be distributed to patients at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach on Christmas Day.
Parking and admission to watch the games is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase at the snack bar.
For more information about the event, email Marty Rodriguez at rodrgz@gmail.com or call him at (949) 254-9380.
