Locals will have a chance to watch some softball, let their children have fun and donate to help the family of the victims of the Halloween wagon-ride crash in Chunky.

Danny Todd, CEO and founder of Sports Ministries, a non-profit based out of Chunky, said the organization plans to host a 10-team, co-ed softball tournament Dec. 2-3 at the Chunky ball field. The event will include a two-day tournament beginning that Friday, and Saturday will feature a kids play area with inflatable slides, bouncy houses, rock climbing and a jousting arena. Full concessions, fish plates and raffles will also be featured.

“I’m not sure if it’s our Southern roots, but people are wanting to help,” Todd said. “We try to help everyone involved in any aspect of life, and something of this magnitude pulls at the heartstrings of a lot of people, whether they were there or not.”

Proceeds go toward family of the victims, Todd said, and even though the 10-team limit has been reached, there are other ways to contribute, whether it’s as a sponsor or a visitor who spends on concessions or the $10 fish-and-sides plate.

“The thing we want to push is community involvement,” Todd said. “Even if you don’t play softball, come out. It’s good entertainment, good food and concessions. It’s not all about softball. Every aspect of this is going toward the family, so we want to invite everyone out. If you’re at home and hungry, come out.”

Sports Ministries has been around for two years and have done other events to help people in need, such as color runs, 5Ks and golf tournaments in addition to softball tournaments. When a tragedy happens like the one that happened on Halloween, Todd said the organization wants to do everything it can to help.

“It lets them know everyone is there for them and wants them to get better — them and the community,” Todd said. “This is something that the community needs healing in over time, and I think we find comfort in Christ on things like that. We try to use Him to get involved in helping others.”

If you take exit 121 on Interstate 20, the Chunky ball fields can be found by driving toward the city of Chunky, not even a mile down the road on the right, Todd said. Those interested in sponsorships or who have more questions can contact the organization at facebook.com/sportsministries777 or at sportsministries777.com.