The community has rallied around the Monroe Township Little League (MTLL) after a theft and vandalism not only caused extensive damage to its clubhouse, but left the Challenger league without equipment.
The league posted information about the incident, which occurred during the early-morning hours of Sept. 29, and released surveillance photos on its Facebook page of the alleged vandals.
“We are working on getting things back in order, but until further notice, our concession stand will not be operable, as well as the men’s bathroom,” the league stated. “The bathrooms at the clubhouse near the softball/senior baseball fields will be open for use.”
The Facebook post reported that the vandals destroyed one of its sheds, among other damage.
” … They ripped down gutters, broke off the lockbox on the front door, and took baseball bats to the bathroom,” the post added. “Most importantly, they stole all of the equipment out of the shed that housed everything for our Challenger league.”
The league is designed for children with disabilities to participate in recreational sports.
“Some of these children are attached to certain equipment, and we want to do everything that we can to replace what was stolen,” the league noted.
Since the incident, the organization has reached out to the community for donations to replace the equipment: bats, helmets, and gloves in all youth and adult sizes. Heather Brown, who coaches the Challenger league, sent a message to her players’ parents ahead of a game on Oct. 4, noting she is “grateful to our community; they were 100% behind our league.”
“I’m so emotional today – angry, sad, happy,” she added. “It’s amazing what this community can and will do. We are seen and heard, and it is truly moving.”
As of Oct. 6, Brown said the league had hired a local plumber to fix the bathroom without charge.
“I have had over $2,000 in cash donations, and my Amazon wishlist was completely fulfilled,” she related. “Our batting cage is filled with equipment donations …
“Right now, the MTLL board is determined to make a positive out of this and give back to the community with all the equipment donations, and give to those who are in need,” Brown emphasized. “Play It Again sports has offered to take any equipment we can’t use in exchange for a store credit for future purchases.”
The league will continue to seek volunteers to repair some of the items destroyed, as well as make improvements and upgrades.
“This incident is not being taken lightly,” the league pointed out. “We are determined to find the individuals who committed this crime and prosecuting them to the fullest extent.”
Anyone with information regarding the vandalism should reach out to Monroe Township police. For donations, email [email protected] or text/call Jess Simpkins at (856) 540-5964.
Anyone with information about the incident is requested to contact Police Detective Taj Lumanog at (856) 728-9800 ext. 240 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips are also welcomed and can be made to [email protected] or our tip line at (856) 875-2940.
