BRIDGEWATER – Somerset Patriots ballplayers will drop their bats and gloves on the field and climb the steps to the concourse where they will help volunteers put together personal care packages for US troops deployed overseas at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, Aug. 9.

The IX annual Somerset Patriots packing begins at 11 a.m. on the concourse with an orientation and opening ceremony. Volunteers can enter the ballpark through the main gate.

Manager Brett Jodie and Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle are also expected to help out on the concourse packing boxes alongside the volunteers.

All volunteers will be given a voucher good for a free ticket to a future Patriots game.

The ballpark will be busy that day. In addition to the packing, the Patriots will square off against the Sugarland Skeeters at 7:05 p.m.

Those who attend the packing are encouraged to bring donations of food and toiletry items. Personal or travel size items are preferred. Suggested personal care items include toothbrushes and toothpaste; shampoo; moist wipes; foot powder; razors and ear swabs. Needed food items include beef jerky, cans of tuna; cans of fruit; small bags of snacks; one-ounce boxes of cereal; microwave popcorn; trail mix and dry soup.

Operation Shoebox will also feature a selection of shirts, hats and other items to raise funds used to ship the care packages overseas.

Please call (908) 698-0333 for further information