Best of the Batch is committed to growing educational and community programs throughout the country for underprivileged youth. Below is a sampling of how we're involved today.
Toys for Tots Literacy Program
The Toys for Tots Foundation began a new chapter in the organization's charitable efforts with the start of a year-round literacy program. To kick-off the program in Pittsburgh, PA, Charlie Batch read one of his favorite childhood books to local children at the Carnegie Pittsburgh Library in Homewood, PA on March 11, 2008. Charlie was joined by his mother, a franchisee from the UPS Store, the sponsor of the program, as well as other supporters to discuss the importance of literacy and this new initiative. Please visit www.toysfortotsliteracy.org to learn more or to make a donation.
NCJW BatchPacks for Kids
Last fall, Charlie Batch and the National Center for Jewish Women took 350 students school supply shopping to get them ready for the new school year. Charlie, along with a handful of his Steelers' teammates, and the NCJW distributed "NCJW BatchPacks" at Barrett Elementary School on September 4, 2007.
The students at Barrett Elementary were also in the spirit of giving back to the community by donating their old backpacks to help others in need. All supplies were generously donated by Target of Homestead, Homestead Borough, Costco Wholesale of W. Homestead, Touch of Grey T's and NCJW Pittsburgh Section. Read! 365, a program of Beginning with Books, also donated books to give every student.
NCJW is known for their award winning project called Pic-A-Bag. Pic-A-Bag provides to children in need a new duffle bag filled with necessary items such as toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, as well as T-shirts, coloring books or activity books, a box of crayons and a stuffed animal.
Architecture Building Communities
Carnegie Mellon University teamed up with the Best of teh Batch Foundation to develop a free program offering students the opportunity to design an architectural project for a vacant property in Homestead, PA. With full participation in the program, students are eligible to apply for a need-based full-tuition scholarship worth $4,185 to the Pre-College Architecture program at CMU.
Best of the Batch Club
Students in grades K-5 must demonstrate excellence in: school work, attendance, behavior, and extra-curricular activities during selected months out of the school year. Students are then rewarded by attending a special field trip with Charlie.
Batch and Me
On-going speaker series program that focuses on motivating student athletes to excel both athletically and academically.
Summer Reading Program
In partnership with the Carnegie library of Homstead, neighborhood kids are encouraged to read throughout the summer.
Tutoring Program
Students in need of educational assistance can team up with qualified teachers and mentors for
personal instruction.
Field Trips
Designed to expose students to culture, education, nature, careers, and history.
Scholarships
Winners of essay competitions for graduating seniors will have an opportunity to receive scholarships for continuing education.
Want to Learn More?
For additional information on upcoming Best of the Batch events, please call 412.326.0119 or send an email to bestofthebatch@batchfoundation.org. For information on volunteering, click here.
