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Serving the Delaware Community

Ohio Wesleyan Athletes Help Church in Effort to Shutout Hunger

When Delaware City Vineyard needed a little help at a recent FEED Delaware event, Ohio Wesleyan University’s varsity baseball team stepped up to the plate.

Nearly 30 team members volunteered May 9 to help cook and serve meals, wash dishes, serve as shopper’s assistants for people utilizing the church’s food pantry, bag groceries, and carry items to vehicles.

C.J. Tosino, Class of 2016, said the team was still on campus because of North Coast Athletic Conference tournament play and was happy to help serve the community.

“It’s been nice to lend a helping hand,” said Tosino, a Battling Bishop outfielder who majored in zoology and pre-medicine and minored in chemistry and Spanish. “When this opportunity came up, I didn’t want to pass it up. I hope it continues and grows.”

Tosino said he completed a class at his high school in Hudson, Ohio, that included a service component, and he knew he wanted to attend a university with both a strong baseball team and a strong tradition of helping others.

“Right when I stepped on campus, I saw Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to service,” said Tosino, who as an OWU student also participated in the Delaware County Literacy Coalition WS2 program, providing homework help for Delaware City Schools students.

J.R. Ailes, assistant pastor at Delaware City Vineyard, 32 Troy Road, said the church’s twice-monthly FEED Delaware events require between 25 and 40 volunteers to help process the 6,000 to 8,000 pounds of food made available to guests.

During the academic year, Ailes said, many Ohio Wesleyan students attend services at Delaware Vineyard and volunteer at the evening food pantries.

“Wesleyan has been amazing,” he said. “During the school year, we can have 15 to 20 OWU students on any given night. The volleyball and women’s basketball team are also consistent volunteers, and some fraternities.”

Ailes said he appreciates the kindness and care the OWU students display in serving the community. “We want people to feel loved and cared for” when they come the FEED Delaware events for a hot meal and food pantry items.

FEED Delaware, funded by Delaware City Vineyard members, is part of the Delaware County Hunger Alliance. Learn more at www.facebook.com/FeedDelaware or www.facebook.com/DelawareCountyHungerAlliance.

The OWU baseball team continues its tournament play May 12 in Chillicothe when the Bishops take on the Wooster Fighting Scots. Learn more at www.battlingbishops.com or follow the team's Facebook page.