(Trenton, NJ) -- Your Trenton Thunder, presented by NJM Insurance Group, were proud to team up with The Smith Family Foundation this Winter on a book drive partnership with Joseph Stokes Elementary School, a K-3 school within the Trenton Public School District. In addition to collecting much-needed books for the Stokes Elementary School Library, this community-driven initiative fostered a love of reading in young minds.

“At the Trenton Thunder, we believe in the power of literacy and its ability to open doors and create opportunities,” said Trenton Thunder President Jeff Hurley. “We are thrilled to partner with Stokes Elementary and our incredible fans to support their students and instill a lifelong love of reading.”

Stokes Elementary, located on Parkside Ave in Trenton, will see Thunder staff rolling up their sleeves ahead of their new academic year in September lending a hand with tasks like shelving donated books and sprucing up the library. The Thunder’s goals align with Stokes: “To educate the whole child in a safe and secure school setting.”

Throughout the campaign, the Trenton Thunder encouraged fans to donate new or gently used books for children aged 5-8 years old. Collection boxes were placed at Trenton Thunder Ballpark during the Fall and Winter, and fans also made generous online donations through the Thunder’s website.

"We are proud that our front office staff and fans embraced this opportunity to give back to our community and make a real difference in the lives of these young students," added VP of Ticket Sales Casey Borish. "Every book donated is a step towards building a brighter future for our children."

About the Trenton Thunder

The Trenton Thunder have drawn over 10.7 million fans over 30 years and have won the three major awards that Minor League Baseball teams can win; the Johnson Trophy for the "Nation's Best Franchise", the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion, and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (Given by Baseball America). The team has given back over $8.5 million worth of goods, services, and monetary donations through Trenton Thunder Charities, under the Grand Slam We Care Foundation umbrella. The Thunder can be found online at trentonthunder.com.

About the Smith Family Foundation

The Smith Family Foundation is a private grant-making Institution, founded in Trenton, NJ in 2016. Our Mission is to Empower our community, Cultivate leaders and Transform lives by providing Funding and Leadership Development to organizations serving Trenton.

About Joseph Stokes Elementary School

Joseph Stokes Elementary School is a K-3 school within the Trenton Public School District. Our school colors are green and yellow and we are the home of the Hornets. At Stokes Elementary School, our mission is to create kind empathetic students who are lifelong leaders and learners. We achieve this by setting high expectations for academic excellence, promoting achievement through hard work and kindness, and partnering with parents and the community.