Trash Pandas launch ‘Reading with Sprocket’ program

MADISON – It turns out a certain masked, furry carnivore promotes reading.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas, whose mascot Sprocket is a racoon who loves to scour garbage cans looking for treats, announced a reading initiative in conjunction with the Trash Pandas Foundation.

“Reading with Sprocket’’ is an educational enterprise offering area schools or classrooms a chance to get a visit from the costumed creature and joined by a team representative who will read to ceremoniously start the program. Participating students from kindergarten through fifth grade will receive a reading packet with a folder and a bookmark to track their progress. Prizes will be awarded.

“We’re extremely excited to launch our reading program for schools in the Tennessee Valley,” said Trash Pandas Director of Community Relations Maddison Kendrick. “We’re always looking for new ways to get involved with students and teachers here, and Reading with Sprocket will be a great way to connect with them.” 

Students who complete the program will earn one (1) complimentary box seat ticket to a 2024 Trash Pandas game for one of the following dates: 

• April 23 vs. Tennessee Smokies (Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs)
• May 21 vs. Montgomery Biscuits (Double-A Affiliate of Tampa Bay Rays) on “Elvis Tribute Night” 
• May 22 vs. Montgomery Biscuits (Double-A Affiliate of Tampa Bay Rays) on “Dog Day” 

Faculty members wishing to participate in this complimentary initiative should complete the form at https://www.milb.com/rocket-city/community/foundation/reading. Participation is subject to availability, and the deadline to complete the reading program is April 9. 

For additional information, contact Kendrick by email at [email protected] or by phone at 256-517-3733. 

The Trash Pandas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport and to positively impact communities in the North Alabama region.