COMMUNITY
BCYL stresses the importance of giving back to the community. Various programs have been implemented to allow our children to experience the joy of giving. The idea of combining sports and charity has exceeded all expectations as we continue to emphasize the impact someone can make "Beyond the Game". It is quite an enlightening experience for our youngsters and volunteers.
Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders Celebrates 10 years
Click image to the left to view all images from the event.
Park Cleanup
Youngsters have participated in various city cleanups throughout the years, including Seaside Park, where three trees representing BCYL were planted. The Tree of Peace, Tree of Unity and Tree of Dreams with corresponding plaques are planted at Seaside Park.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
BCYL cheerleaders marched in the 2013 St. Patrick's Day parade in Bridgeport along the famous green stripe down center of roadway for parade route. Although extremely cold and windy, they braved the elements to show community support.
Blood Drive
On June 30, 2013, BCYL and community members came out to the Holiday Inn to donate blood. This was our 2nd Annual Blood Drive and we exceeded our goal by 20%! Thanks to all!!
Voter Registration Drive Photos
BCYL conducted this second annual event during the 2013 Caribe Day. This gives participants a different comfort level versus the traditional process and we registered 15 new voters.
PR Day Parade
Every year youngsters participate in the Fairfield County Puerto Rican Day Parade in Bridgeport. It provides them the opportunity to proudly march in their uniforms and to learn and experience some of the culture of Puerto Rico.
Helping Hands
In October 2010, the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders held the A.J. Saez Day. Earlier in the year, A.J., a participant in our baseball league was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and needed a matching bone marrow donor. Over 70 parents and volunteers registered to become bone marrow donors and proceeds from the day's events were donated to the family. This is the spirit exhibited at BCYL, where we are all "family". In October 2011, a second drive was organized in memory of A.J. Saez and to also help Nayelis Rivera. An additional 39 individuals registered to become donors at this event. Proceeds from the concession stand as well as donations collected were provided to the Nayelis Fund. In 2012, 19 donors registered and in 2013 another 15, bringing the four-year total to 150 new donors registered for this very important cause. Anyone between the ages 18-44 who meet the health guidelines can be a donor.
Holidays for Heroes
Members of BCYL got together during the basketball championship games to make Holiday Cards with handmade drawings with heartfelt messages. The cards were sent to troops overseas serving our Nation and also to recovering soldiers in Washington, DC.
BCYL Food Drive
For several weeks in November and December, BCYL members donated and collected non-perishable food. Approximately 200 pounds of food was delivered to Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry in Bridgeport, CT. This annual event been very successful and shows how our BCYL family helps others in need.
BCYL Toy Drive
Our annual toy drive was another success. Basketball players and Cheerleaders donated almost 100 toys that were shared with other community members.
BCYL Test Module
Our annual toy drive was another success. Basketball players and Cheerleaders donated almost 100 toys that were shared with other community members.