ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. –– The South Bend Cubs originally slated opening day for April 9, which would have been this week. However, COVID-19 effectively postponed the annual treat for baseball fans. Instead, the Cubs decided to give back to their community by raising money for the South Bend Salvation Army Kroc Center. 

Paul Szrom, Director of Development at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, said he is grateful the Cubs pitched in for the betterment of the community. 

"We said the biggest thing we need is money, because we need to go out and buy food for our food drive and our food baskets that we are giving out to people, so it just kind of took off from there," Szrom said. 

In a unique effort to combine baseball and volunteer work, the Cubs decided that individuals who donate can get a personalized message on their video board at Four Winds Field. The team is asking for donations at a minimum of 25 dollars if you'd like to get a message on the board. 

"I think our plan is to go ahead and do it probably for all of this week and next week. As long as there are messages coming in and people want to help out the Korc Center, we're certainly willing to do it. Obviously the video board is here and that's easy enough for us to do," Joe Hart, President of the South Bend Cubs said. 

Details to contribute can be found on the South Bend Cubs website.