Back in 2021, TalkNats started an initiative to collect items from the RCR program and donate them to the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which supports young scholar athletes from Wards 7 and 8 in DC (Donate Your Unused Red Carpet Rewards Points to the Nationals Youth Academy). We repeated the effort the following year, with some modifications (The Kids Really Will Love It), and again in 2023 (Final Update to 2023 RCR Points Drive). Each year participation from the TalkNats community has grown.
You can see pictures of the swag delivered to the YBA from the previous RCR points drives in the links above. With continued thanks to everyone who has participated in the past, we’re happy to announce the RCR Points Drive for 2024.
WarningTrackPower, who has volunteered his baseball and mentoring skills to the YBA since 2017, is the engine behind this effort, with help and support from DonH and Section222. It’s also important to note that this is a collaborative effort of TalkNats and two Facebook groups: Nationals RCR Codes and DIEHARD NATIONALS FANS.
We are fortunate that the Nats’ RCR Team has again agreed to a streamlined process for donations, similar to what we did last year. Their staff will handle the points transfers, which greatly simplifies combining all of our points and obtaining items to be donated to the YBA.
As those of you who have RCR points to spare know, this year those points must be used by November 30, or they will be lost. If you’d like to donate, simply send an email by no later than November 29 to [email protected]. Include the following information:
- the email address associated with your account, and
- the number of points you want to donate.
We, and the Nats’ RCR staff, will take it from there.
Many of you know that WarningTrackPower has been both a mentor and volunteer coach at the Academy for almost eight years. As he has described, the Academy is much more than a baseball and softball venue for kids, and his volunteer work there is the highlight of his week. As part of the program, Academy staff gives special recognition every so often to the scholar athletes, not for athletic achievement, but to reward them for exemplary behavior. Things like helping a younger player learn a new skill or being friendly and welcoming to a new arrival who doesn’t know anyone and feels out of place.
The kids relish the praise and encouragement for good deeds just as much as for a good swing or a web gem in the field. And the items we provide as a result of your donations are a tangible supplement to that recognition.
Here’s one example WarningTrackPower shared concerning items your points purchased last year.
Before practice starts the scholar athletes warm up by throwing soft mushy balls back and forth with coaches and volunteers. Often we are throwing to several girls and boys concurrently. I’m often impressed when someone forgoes their turn and gladly hands a ball off to another participant. Small but simple acts of kindness build lasting foundations for individuals and communities. When giving shout outs at the conclusion of practices I’ve mentioned the selflessness I’ve witnessed. Recently we’ve been rewarding such acts with those goofy but warm Curly W winter hats, which your RCR points helped procure. Warm heads and warm hearts are a great combination.
WarningTrackPower
We are certain this year’s points drive will once again bring a lot of holiday joy to these very impressive young people and deepen the ties between TalkNats and the Youth Baseball Academy. Thank you so much for your donations!
