BC-BBA–Red Sox-Dominican Aid,0192

Red Sox help collect money for Dominican victims

BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Red Sox collected money on Monday to buy food and medicine for flooding victims in the Dominican Republic, the homeland of stars Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.

More than 1,000 have been killed by floods near the Haitian border, and thousands more have been left homeless.

“The Dominican Republic has produced wonderful, talented members of our club, and we now have the opportunity to help this country that has given us so much,” Red Sox spokesman Charles Steinberg said. “Our players do so much in the Boston community and in their home communities. This is a unique opportunity to support their effort while helping thousands of people in dire need of assistance.”

The team set aside an area inside the main gate for fans to contribute. Monday was the final game of a homestand, but the team will continue to accept contributions through the mail.

Checks made out to the Red Sox Foundation should be sent to: Dominican Relief Effort, Fenway Park, Boston, MA 02215.

AP-ES-05-31-04 1428EDT