Batch, Steelers take part in annual 'Batch of Toys' drive

Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch scored a touchdown for local children as he hosted his fifth annual Collect a Batch of Toys drive.

People lined up outside and around Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Homestead Tuesday afternoon to donate a toy and get an autograph or picture taken with Batch and his Steelers teammates.

“It’s sad to know that so many kids don’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” Batch said. “I’ve delivered thousands of toys for the holidays, and every year when the last toy is delivered, I always wish I had more of them to give.”

The Homestead native said he is happy to serve and bring attention to his hometown and the Pittsburgh area.

“This is where I’m from and I see the impact the Steelers have,” he said.

Other Steelers in attendance included James Farrior, Ryan Mundy, Dennis Dixon, Max Starks, Flozell Adams, Maurkice Pouncey, Crezdon Butler, Ramon Foster, Matt Spaeth and Frank Summers.

Batch said he appreciates the assistance he gets from his teammates, who also brought numerous toys to donate.

“They’ve been supportive of everything I’ve done,” he said.

Dixon said it’s great to see Batch helping out his hometown.

“He’s my role model for the way he represents himself on and off the field,” he said.

Batch said he’s appreciative so many people came out to donate toys.

“This is the fifth year and it keeps growing every year,” he said.

In the past four years, the drive has distributed more than 25,000 toys to children in need.

The quarterback personally delivers the toys to children and their families at The Salvation Army, the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of UPMC of Pittsburgh, financially challenged families in Allegheny County and Toys for Tots.

“It’s a wonderful thing he does,” Batch’s mom Lynn Settles said. “I enjoy watching him give back to the community.”

Pittsburgh resident Jim Cottler and his son Jim Cottler Jr. have been coming to Batch’s toy drive every year.

“It gives toys to kids who can’t afford to have a Christmas,” he said. “Charlie does a lot of good for the community.”

Dave & Buster’s also was giving out a $10 Power Card for each donation.

“The players have a very busy lifestyle,” said Robert Marin, Dave & Buster’s general manager.

“I’m ecstatic they would take time out of their day to come to Dave and Buster’s for the toy drive.”

He said the restaurant is always looking for ways to help the community and jumped at being involved with the toy drive this year, when Nancy Bruce Harris of Clear Channel Radio mentioned it to him.

Toy donations of new, unwrapped toys still can be made at Best of the Batch Foundation offices, 2000 West St. in Munhall, through Dec. 20. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or to arrange pickup of large donations, call the foundation office at 412-326-0119.

By Stacy Lee, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, December 15, 2010