Surry Baseball Assists with Give a Kid a Christmas
Dobson, NC – For the 21st consecutive year, the Surry Baseball team continued its tradition of community outreach by volunteering in the annual Give a Kid a Christmas initiative. On Saturday, December 13, team members and coaches meticulously helped pack and load 425 food boxes, equaling last year's total and making a significant contribution to local families during the holiday season.
Former Surry County Sheriff and event founder Graham Atkinson once again expressed deep gratitude. "The Surry baseball team members were outstanding this year, just as they have been for 21 years. We packed 425 total boxes, and that would not have been possible without them. This partnership remains crucial, and we cherish their ongoing support."
The "Give a Kid a Christmas" program aims to provide food and gifts to children and families in need, ensuring they have a joyful holiday experience. The Surry baseball team's involvement over two decades highlights their dedication not only to athletics but also to community service. Each year, players and coaches come together to contribute their time and effort, fostering a spirit of giving and teamwork.
Head Coach Darryl Johnson shared his pride in the team's dedication. "Our players were enthusiastic about giving back this year. It is an honor to be part of this incredible event as it gives our team a chance to support our community. We plan to keep participating for years to come."
Surry Athletic Director Mark Tucker emphasized the athletic program's strong tradition of service. "Our student‑athletes continually step up in our community. We've supported Operation Christmas Child, the Special Olympics, Read Across America, visited elementary schools to promote sportsmanship, collected food for residents in need, spent time with long‑term hospital patients, assisted elderly neighbors with yardwork, and helped youth sports practices. Our culture is one of service. Thanks to Sheriff Steve Hiatt and former Sheriff Graham Atkinson for involving us in this mission for over two decades. Personally, it is one of my favorite days every year."
On the field, the Knights are coming off a season in which they finished 5th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) World Series capturing the Region 10 and Mid-Atlantic District Championships while compiling a 37-14 record. Surry was ranked 10th nationally in the final NJCAA poll.
"We are hoping to build on last year's success," stated Johnson. "We will start spring practice on the field in early January and open our spring season in early February. We have a really good group of young men looking forward to competing for a Region 10 Championship." The Knights will open the 2026 season hosting Anne Arundel Community College from Maryland on February 7 in a doubleheader starting at 12:00 pm.