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Want to experience what it feels like to play outfield for a minor league baseball team? The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is in need of outfield shaggers for its Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer fundraiser at Jerry Uht Park on July 19.

Now in its fifth year, the event is a home run derby to support women and families battling breast cancer in Pennsylvania. There are eight home run derbies throughout the state.

The Erie event needs ball shaggers. A VolunteerMatch posting reads:

Volunteers enjoy being out in the sun, want the chance to experience being on a minor league baseball field, don’t mind being on their feet, but don’t need to be able to catch or throw a ball!

Outfield shaggers will collect balls once they have come to a stop, toss them to second base and signal when a ball hits the outfield wall.

Volunteers will work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the event.

To volunteer as an outfield shagger, visit VolunteerMatch. To donate to a participant or team, visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s website.

Graphic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Community Blood Bank is sponsoring two promotions this month to encourage blood donation.

Summer is tough on the blood supply, said Dan Desrochers, director of marketing and community relations at the blood bank. Donations are typically light, and usage is heavy.

“I love summer in Northwest Pennsylvania but I dread the blood shortages that comes with it,” said Desrochers, in an e-mail.

To assuage the blood shortage, the blood bank has partnered with the Erie SeaWolves. This week, all blood donors at the Community Blood Bank receive a voucher for a pair of tickets to the Blood Donor Appreciation Night game on June 20.

One lucky donor will win a club box for eight people and get to throw the first pitch of the game.

The blood bank is also entering all donors before June 26 in a raffle for a pair of tickets to see Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh on June 30.

Donors at Erie County Mobile blood drives are entered to win another pair of tickets. A list of blood drives can be found at www.ourdonorssavelives.org.

The winner of the concert tickets will be announced on June 27 on Country 98.

The Community Blood Bank is located at 2646 Peach St. in Erie. Donation hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Photo identification is required.