The Washington Nationals wrapped up their "Winter Caravan," with community appearances in the District.  Seven players, mostly pitchers, visited Amidon-Bowen Elementary School in Southwest and participated in an assembly with the entire student body.  The assembly was moderated by Nationals broadcasters Bob Carpenter and Charlie Slowes with the assistance of Principal Almita Hawkins.

Nationals players John Lannan, Justin Maxwell, Garrett Mock, Mike O’Connor, Steven Shell, Josh Willingham and Terrell Young met the children as they entered the assembly hall with gifts of a red baseball cap, and after other introductions of special guests, the players took turns reading a story book with a theme of children making good life decisions.

The Nationals announced a partnership with Everybody Wins, DC, the largest children literacy and mentoring organization in the Washington Metropolitan Area.  The organization has nearly a one-on-one relationship with children attending Amidon-Bowen.  The Nationals have committed to increasing the ranks of Everybody Wins! DC with staff volunteers from their organization for Amidon-Bowen students. 

Following photographs of each class with the Washington Nationals players, 3,000 books were distributed  by the Nationals as donations to the school through their partnership with The Heart of America Foundation.  A number of parents were present and player autographs were collected by parents and students before the players departed.