MARYSVILLE — The Snohomish County Express Fastpitch Organization would like to thank the community members who have donated to its 2013 food drive that supported a number of area food banks this past month.

The Sno Co Express’ five teams are made up of 88 girls, who range in age from 8-14. This year’s collection of non-perishable food was more than 3,500 pounds.

The five teams were asked to collect items for the food banks from Dec. 1-15, and their young ladies were challenged to collect more than 1,300 pounds, but they far exceeded those expectations.

“Our young ladies hit a grand slam with our drive this year,” Sno Co Express President Jeff Perrine said of this annual contest between the teams.

“We ask our community for so much, and raising this much food demonstrates how much our girls appreciate our community,” said Aaron Zachry, also of Sno Co Express.

Sno Co Express is an organization that aims to mold young athletes into outstanding fastpitch players through hard work, dedication, passion and teamwork.

Through its sport, the organization strives to create opportunities to help raise strong, confident young ladies who are a true asset to their community.