The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the schedule for the Pirates Charities CARE-a-van, presented by Highmark, which will take place from Wednesday, December 7 through Friday, December 9. The 2016 CARE-avan will take part in private community events over three days leading up to the 27th PirateFest, presented by Chick-fil-A.
The CARE-a-van will visit a total of 19 events impacting 11 cities in the greater Pittsburgh area, including stops in Altoona, Pa - home of the Pirates Double-A affiliate the Altoona Curve; Morgantown, WV- home of the Pirates Single-A affiliate the West Virginia Black Bears; Butler and New Castle, Pa; Wheeling, WV and more.
Pirates players scheduled to take part in this year's CARE-a-van include Josh Bell, Chris Bostick, Lisalverto Bonilla, Steven Brault, David Freese, Tyler Glasnow, Drew Hutchison, John Jaso, Nick Kingham, Juan Nicasio, Felipe Rivero, Chris Stewart and Jameson Taillon. In addition to players, Pirates coaches Heberto Andrade, Kimera Bartee, Jeff Branson, Joey Cora and Euclides Rojas will take part in the three-day event.
The CARE-a-van will feature three separate groups of players and coaches traveling to private community action events throughout the region. Pirates personnel and Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of the Pirates, will partner with local non-profits to assist with projects and services, as well as visit with schools and community organizations.
At each visit players, coaches and front office employees will donate their time to help make a difference in each community.
Please see below information for complete CARE-a-van details. Most events are closed to the general public, unless otherwise noted. 
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Group 1: John Jaso, Felipe Rivero, Drew Hutchison, Jeff Branson and Heberto Andrade
o New Castle, Pa -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visit with members of Challenges Center in Shenley Square.
o Pittsburgh- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Highmark Caring Place to take part in a party for children and families in partnership with Highmark Health.
Group 2: Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow, Steven Brault and Kimera Bartee
o Beaver, Pa -- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center for a holiday party and gift giving event with residents of the facility. Pirates alumni Kent Tekulve will also be in attendance.
o Jefferson Hills, Pa-6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Allegheny Health Network Jefferson Hospital to take part in Light Up Night in partnership with Highmark Health. The event is open to the public.
Group 3: Jameson Taillon, Lisalverto Bonilla, Nick Kingham, Juan Nicasio, Euclides Rojas and Joey Cora
o Indiana, Pa -11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To take part in the Teddy Bear Fund Drive spaghetti dinner fund raiser in partnership with Pirates Radio Affiliate, Renda Broadcasting. This event is open to the public. (10:30 a.m.)
Food Bank delivery at the Chevy Chase Community Center. (1:15 p.m.)
o Johnstown, Pa- 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A visit with residents of McCullough Place retirement home in partnership with Pirates Radio Affiliate Forever Media. (4 p.m.)
To take part in a holiday party with kids and families from Beginnings, Inc at Aces Banquets and Catering. (6 p.m.)
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Group 1: John Jaso, Felipe Rivero, Drew Hutchison, Chris Bostick, Jeff Branson and Heberto Andrade
o Pittsburgh -- 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holiday Xtravaganza Shopping Day at Pressley Ridge in partnership with ARAMARK. (9:45 a.m.)
Adopt a North Side family Christmas delivery in partnership with the Salvation Army. (Noon)
o Morgantown, WV -- 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"SteppingStones" holiday party, in partnership with West Virginia Black Bears
Group 2: Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow, Steven Brault and Kimera Bartee
o Pittsburgh -- 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Attend a repacking event at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in partnership with La Roche College. The morning will include a check presentation, repacking event and a warehouse tour.
o Pittsburgh -- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A special bowling event with Andrew McCutchen, Neighborhood Academy, and New Vision Ministries, in partnership with Tickets for Kids at Zone28.
Group 3: Jameson Taillon, Lisalverto Bonilla, Nick Kingham, Juan Nicasio, Euclides Rojas and Joey Cora
o Altoona, Pa -- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Project Bundle Up Warm Weather shopping event and lunch at DICK'S Sporting Goods in the Logan Towne Center in partnership with DICK'S and the Altoona Curve. (10 a.m.)
Attend an ice cream social and visit with residents at the James Van Zandt VA Medical Center. (12:30 p.m.)
o Pittsburgh -- 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Pirates will team up with Beverly's Birthdays for a combined birthday party with children from the Women's Center and Shelter, in partnership with ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Group 1: John Jaso, Felipe Rivero, Drew Hutchison, Chris Bostick, Jeff Branson and Heberto Andrade
o Youngstown, Ohio -- 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Take part in the Salvation Army Winter Warm Up shopping event in partnership with DICK'S Sporting Goods.
Group 2: David Freese, Tyler Glasnow, Steven Brault and Kimera Bartee
o Butler, Pa. -- 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Visit with students at Connoquenessing Elementary School and take part in the Caring Angel Program and school assembly with Joe Block.
Group 3: Chris Stewart, Lisalverto Bonilla, Nick Kingham, Juan Nicasio, Euclides Rojas and Joey Cora
o Wheeling, WV -- 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
To take part in a holiday party with the Miracle League of Ohio Valley at the Wheeling YMCA.