WILKES-BARRE, PA (February 9, 2026) -- The King's College baseball team is continuing its tradition of contributing to the Jared Box Project for the 17th consecutive year. A Jared Box is a shoe box size plastic storage box filled with small gifts, toys, cards, and games. The boxes are then delivered to hospitals in late February for chronically ill children to enjoy.

The participation over the past 16 years with this project has been a much-anticipated drive for the Monarchs baseball program. During this time, the Pocono Mountain School District, King's College Baseball team, Crestwood School District, PA State Police, and youth players from Jerry Greeley's Player Development Baseball Academy have collected and delivered over 21, 039 Jared Boxes.

The Jared Box project was started in 2001 by the children at Our Lady of Victory School in State College, PA to honor their classmate and friend, Jared. Jared was a brave little boy who battled cancer with courage and faith that continues to inspire us all. He was diagnosed with an incurable brainstem tumor in 1999. At just 5 years old, he demonstrated faith, wisdom, and compassion for others. For more information on the Jared Box Project please visit www.thejaredbox.com.

There are several options for those interested in participating in the project. Anyone can make a completed Jared Box and drop it off at the front desk of the Scandlon Physical Education Center by February 25, 2026. Additionally, professors, clubs, on-campus groups, etc. can make them as a project or items can be donated directly to the baseball team, and a member of the King's baseball program will pick up your box or items at your location.

Suggested items can be found in the attached document for the variety of age groups, including infant (0-12 months), toddler (1-3 years old), preschool (3-5 years old), elementary (5-8 years old), and tweens and teens (8 and up). All items must be new. Please avoid including food items, tiny items due to choking hazards, snow globes or glass items that can break, pencil sharpeners, bubbles, or holiday items. Keep in mind, toys need to fit into a plastic shoe box.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email head baseball coach Jerry Greeley at baseball@kings.edu. The deadline to donate and contribute to this special project is Wednesday, February 25, 2026.