BEREA, Ohio --  One of the key responsibilities of the Baldwin Wallace University commitment to excellence in all areas of its athletics endeavors is community service. The Yellow Jacket softball team takes great pride in its inaugural year of collecting dolls (Barbie) and Hot Wheels cars for the children who are at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

"There are so many people who need help in this world and our softball team is reaching out to St Judes," said veteran Head Coach Tom Spencer. "There is nothing more precious than children, and if we can put a smile on one child's face it is worth it.  Our student-athletes take great pride in the collection of the dolls and cars and know that it will go to benefit a great cause."

"This is our first year doing this project for St. Jude's and it was a great experience," said Spencer, who is in the midst of conducting his fall practices. "At some point, I would like to take the team to Memphis and go to St. Jude's and see the children who benefit from it.  I think that would be great for the ladies to see the outcome of their efforts."

BW opens the 2017 season in early March when it will either travel south or out west on its annual spring break trip. The season culminates with the annual Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament in late April with the winner receiving an automatic berth in the 2017 NCAA Division III National Tournament.