Pope John junior collects 200 pieces of baseball equipment for youth program

A Pope John XXIII Regional High School junior has completed a community service project collecting more than 200 pieces of baseball equipment for children in underserved communities.

Drew Shepulski organized a school-year-long equipment drive that gathered approximately 75 bats, 28 gloves, helmets, catcher’s gear, baseballs and other items with a total estimated value of $12,960.

The equipment will be donated to Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, a nonprofit organization that provides gear to youth who want to play baseball and softball but lack access to equipment.

Shepulski worked with local baseball facilities and members of the Sussex County community to collect donations and placed collection bins at several locations, including Champions Way Sports Academy at Skylands Stadium in Augusta, Sparta Athletic Club Field House in Sparta and Hit and Run in Jefferson Township.

He also conducted outreach encouraging families to donate used equipment their children had outgrown.

“Growing up, baseball has been a huge part of my life,” Shepulski said. “It’s taught me teamwork, discipline and resilience, values that have shaped who I am today. I want to help more kids have the chance to experience those same lessons.”

He credited staff at Champions Way Sports Academy for helping support the effort.

Pitch In For Baseball & Softball will distribute the equipment to youth programs in the United States and internationally.

Shepulski, a varsity and club baseball player, said the project reflects his commitment to community service and his goal of increasing access to youth sports.

He and his family plan to deliver the equipment to the organization’s distribution center in Harleysville, Pennsylvania in the coming weeks.