It is no secret that the city of Gary, Indiana, is a city that needs some help. There was a time when the city was prosperous. This was during the time when the various industrial companies and mills in and around the city were employing most of the population there. Since most of that business has closed down and moved out, the city has been in decay.
The Gary SouthShore Railcats have been a part of an attempt to bring life back to Gary since their inception. Their stadium, U.S. Steelyard, is located right in downtown Gary. In addition to the stadium they have brought some other businesses, such as restaurants, to the downtown area.
The Railcats have not forgotten where they are and, over the past few weeks, the team has been circulating turkey vouchers in and around the depressed area. They began giving the vouchers to the various charities that they support as well. Just yesterday, those vouchers came due and those who received them were directed to the team stadium starting at 2 p.m.
Those who arrived found that the owner of the Railcats, Pat Salvi, infielder Mike Rohde, other front office workers and the mascot, Rusty the Railcat, handing out turkeys for those in need. The total number of turkeys donated to families in need was 450.
The Railcats have become one of the most successful franchises in the independent Northern League. They set attendance records just this past season. The team prides itself on its community efforts, in particular the organizations intent on revitalizing downtown Gary.
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