FORT WORTH, Texas -- Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos wants a hands-on approach in his efforts to give back to the community. That's why it was important for him to spend Wednesday with his family helping make 1,200 backpacks for the Back to School Outreach event on Saturday at Refuge Church.
The backpacks were filled with school supplies and distributed to children at the event, which Chirinos' foundation was involved in for the fifth straight year. The event also offered free haircuts, food, dental supplies and groceries to the community.
"It's just fun to be able to help somebody," Chirinos said. "I love to do it. It's something I've been doing for so long. I learned from my dad, so just enjoying and happy to be able to do what my dad told me when I was a kid. I love it."
Chirinos said being able to make an impact on families in the community is what drives him in his charitable work.
"The kids that are receiving a backpack, they don't have to buy anything to go back to school," Chirinos said. "I think it's a relief for families that can't afford to buy [supplies]. We are going to see families today that have five, six kids. If you put that together, that's a lot of money for one family. So we're just helping families around the community."
Left-hander Martin Perez has helped Chirinos with the event over the last five years, but this is the second year his foundation has officially been involved.
"I'm happy to be here and do this with Robinson," Perez said. "It's something we do from the heart. … Last year, I told [Chirinos], 'Hey, I want to do this with you, I want to be with you doing the same thing.' Just trying to support each other and do whatever we can to help the community."
Adrian Beltre, Rougned Odor, Yovani Gallardo, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Jurickson Profar were among the Rangers teammates who attended the event, and members of the coaching staff were also in attendance. They signed baseballs and took pictures with families after Chirinos and Perez gave a message to the crowd.
"It's a blessing to be able to come back today and give back to the community," Chirinos said. "This is the fifth year that we're doing this event, and it feels like it's the first time. I'm really thankful and happy for this day. I know the people outside, they're happy, too. I want to thank my teammates, the coaches -- they come every year in support of us to come and sign and take pictures with the kids. It's a blessing just to be here."
One moment that still stands out to Chirinos after years of doing the event is when he watched Beltre take a photo with a young fan who was so excited that he began to cry. Chirinos said those are the moments that make the annual event special to him.
"When you see those reactions, you see you just made a day," Chirinos said. "That's why we're here, to make a day for the community and give back to those kids, and hopefully we can impact the future of those kids, too."