Last modified: Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:54 AM EST
Bobby Kielty, right, is greeted by teammates David Ortiz, left, Julio Lugo (23) and Manny Ramirez (24) after Kielty's eighth inning home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Brian Fuentes last month. (Staff photo by Associated Press)

Chance for Sox Nation to help

PLAINVILLE - Sunday is Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz' 32nd birthday.

He may be spending part of it in Plainville - and he's inviting fans to come see the 2007 World Series trophy.

From 1:30 to 5:30 p.m., the trophy will be at the Stop & Shop off Route 1 in Plainville for a relief drive to aid the victims of the catastrophic flooding earlier this month in the Dominican Republic.

Ortiz, who is a native of that island nation, is scheduled to put in an appearance, although the time has yet to be announced.

Fans who bring new non-perishable items to the store during the drive will have the opportunity to have a picture taken with the World Series trophy.

There is a limit of one photo per person.

The items collected will be shipped and delivered by Ortiz to the Dominican Republic for the victims of the flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Noel.

Suggested items include non-perishable foodstuffs, such as rice, dry beans, cooking oil, canned ham and tuna.

Also on the list are canned or dry milk, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, corn starch and flour.

Other needed items include personal items, such as blankets, diapers, paper products and toiletries.

"The floods have been devastating to the people of the Dominican Republic," Ortiz was quoted on the Red Sox Web site.

"By bringing a bag of groceries to Sunday's relief drive, fans can make a difference in the relief effort and also see the World Series Trophy. I hope everyone will come by and help."

He added, "I would like to thank Stop & Shop for this most generous effort to help the people of my country."