CLEVELAND — The Mid-American Conference has announced the continuation of a community initiative, Anne’s Pantry, in partnership with Community Resource Services (CRS), to support local families during the 2026 MAC Baseball Championship at ForeFront Field from May 20–24 in Avon, Ohio.
Anne’s Pantry was created in loving memory of Anne Steinbrecher, the late wife of MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. Her compassion for others and commitment to community continue to inspire those across the Conference and beyond. The initiative reflects Anne’s generous spirit and passion for helping those in need, channeling the momentum of the MAC Baseball Championship into meaningful support for families across Northeast Ohio.
Through generous contributions, Anne’s Pantry helped provide approximately 15,000 meals and raised more than $7,200 for those in need at the 2026 MAC Basketball Tournament in March. The initiative also collected 387 pounds of food during the tournament.
Throughout the baseball tournament, fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to help fight hunger across Avon and Avon Lake, as well as baseball equipment (baseball gloves, catcher’s gear, bats, baseballs, and softballs) that will be donated to youth teams in need throughout the Northeast Ohio area.
Fans who donate a food item, baseball equipment, and/or make a monetary donation will receive a voucher for free admission for youth ages 13 and under. Parents must still purchase a ticket for entry.
If you are interested in making a monetary contribution, please visit CRS’ donation page and designate your gift in honor of Anne’s Pantry
here.
“CRS is proud to partner with the Mid-American Conference and grateful to benefit from the Anne’s Pantry community initiative." Said Ryan Virtue, Executive Director at Community Resource Services. "This is the definition of a win-win-win relationship. It helps neighbors in need, encouraging young people to lead with generosity, and celebrates the lasting impact of Anne Steinbrecher. As a bonus, it invites our community to come together and enjoy some high-quality Division-I college baseball right here at home.”
Fans are encouraged to begin donating during the Lake Erie Crushers’ Little League Day on Saturday, May 16. Bins for donations will also be set up for all days of the MAC Baseball Championship at the entrance of ForeFront Field.
The MAC will also continue Anne’s Pantry in partnership with the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank during the 2026 MAC Softball Tournament at Firestone Stadium from May 6–9. For more information, visit
here.
For more information on the MAC Baseball Tournament and Anne’s Pantry, visit
GetSomeMACtion.com.
What to Bring:
Food items:
- Shells & cheese-type macaroni & cheese
- Beef stew
- Hearty soups
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Canned fruit
- Jelly
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Peanut butter
- Applesauce
- Fruit and pudding cups
- Chips
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Pop-Tarts
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
Cleaning supplies:
- Clorox wipes
- Laundry detergent (liquid and pods)
- Multi-purpose cleaners
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes
- Body and hand soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)
Baseball Equipment:
- Baseball Gloves (T-ball and Youth)
- Catcher’s Gear (Youth)
- Bats (Youth)
- Baseballs (Little League)
- Softballs
What Not To Bring
- Canned green beans
- Canned corn
- Canned beans
When You Can Donate:
- Saturday, May 16: Lake Erie Crushers Little League Night (7 PM ET, ForeFront Field)
- Wednesday, May 20-Saturday, May 23: MAC Baseball Championship (All Day, ForeFront Field)
