It’s no secret that witnessing the joy of children as they play together can brighten anyone’s day. For Laura and Britt Wood, Owners of Ace of the South, supporting the Miracle League in Gardendale, Alabama, is a chance to spread that joy to special needs children, their families, and the local community.

For the last several years, Laura has donated her time to help run the Miracle League of Gardendale, a baseball league for children with special needs. Through their store Ace of the South, Laura and her husband Britt and their Ace team have given thousands of dollars in food, equipment, and services to the league and its families.

"It has been a blessing for us to be able to give more exposure to Miracle League," said Laura. "Whether it’s donating something for a silent auction or fundraising for bats and balls, if there’s a way we can give back, we’re going to do that."

For the children who participate in the Miracle League games, it’s a chance to get out, socialize with other children, and participate in a fun activity together. For their parents, it’s a chance to connect with other parents with special needs kids and share their experiences.

"My son Lewis was born at 27 weeks. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He loves sports; he’s your typical child. It’s very special to me that he’s able to go out there and play baseball and be part of a team," said Laura Dill, Miracle League Parent. "It brings the community together, being able to communicate with each other and share experiences you’ve had as a special needs parent."

"It has helped my son Daniel with his relationships. It helps him to learn how to share and be patient," said Sheila Hayes. "When you have organizations such as Ace Hardware donate their time and their love week after week, it means the world to us."

For the volunteers and organizers of the Miracle League, the opportunity to be involved with the organization warms their hearts as they see the joy it brings everyone.

"This is the place for the kids to come and be cheered on and supported," said Sam Kendrick, Miracle League Board Member. "This is their time, and to see the love, and the genuine joy in their faces, and the relationships that they have built… it’s just awesome."