Pirates Charities and FedEx set to deliver needed supplies to Puerto Rico

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that Pirates players, coaches and front office staff have collected more than 450,000 pounds of supplies during a two-day supply drive at PNC Park to assist the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The response of Pirates fans has been overwhelming as thousands of Pittsburghers came to PNC Park to donate supplies.
Pirates Charities, along with its project partner FedEx, will deliver the needed supplies to the people of the island on Thursday, October 5, and oversee the distribution of goods to those in most need, including Pirates third base coach Joey Cora's home town of Caguas.
''Words cannot express how inspiring it is to see our community come together in support for this great cause. We cannot thank FedEx, as well as our other partner organizations enough for their help in making this all possible," said Pirates Charities Chairman Bob Nutting. "This effort was inspired by the memory of Roberto Clemente and the fact that the people from his home country are in such desperate need for help. I feel Roberto would be proud to see his Pirates organization and the people of Pittsburgh rally together so strongly to assist in the relief efforts."
"FedEx is committed to utilizing the power and reach of our global network to help the people of Puerto Rico," said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing and Communications, FedEx. "FedEx Ground is proud to call Pittsburgh home, and as a long-time supporter of the Pittsburgh Pirates, we're honored to team up with them and Pirates Charities on this important mission."
Pirates Charities and FedEx have been supported in this historic effort by the many Pirates partners and community leaders that have worked tirelessly to help with the Puerto Rico disaster relief drive. They include our friends:
The more than 450,000 pounds of supplies scheduled to be delivered on Thursday were collected from area fans and partners over a two-day supply drive on Mazeroski Way outside PNC Park. Pirates fans and partners responded in staggering numbers to show their support, as the Club collected more than 340 pallets of bottled water, canned goods, baby items, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and more. Pirates Charities has also purchased needed generators and additional batteries, food items and more to also be donated.
Pirates Charities, with monetary donations from Pirates players, corporations and fans, has raised more than $200,000 to assist with the relief efforts.