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Marlins Ayudan Program Beautifies JMH's Garden

MIAMI (CBS4)- More than 100 employees with the Marlins Organization spent Tuesday volunteering their time to help the Jackson Healthcare System.

President of the Florida Marlins David Samson,"Jackson Memorial Hospital is an area we thought needed help."

The project is part of Marlins Ayudan Community Program, a collaborative front office volunteer program that provides permanent enhancements to the community. Twice a year the company closes its doors for the community service project. On Tuesday, employees painted, pulled weeds and landscaped at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

"What they're doing here is another statement of what we need to do and how everybody needs to give back to the community," said President and CEO of Jackson Health System Carlos Migoya. "They're giving back to Jackson and that is something that we really need."

While Marlins employees worked outside at the hospital, the baseball players worked their magic inside.  Young patients at the Children's Hospital received a surprise visit from several special Marlins who gave autographs and delivered baseball caps.

"Anytime we can come down here and volunteer it's a blessing," said Steve Cishek, who plays for the Marlins. "We like to come out and help the community as much as we can."

And the Marlins Organization said they put their community first.

"When you see the ball park being built you realize that the shadow it casts over the community requires we help out and we love doing it," said Samson.

In continuing the community initiative, Marlins players will make a special visit to the patients of Miami Children's Hospital on Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

On Thursday, Marlins Ayudan group will visit a neighboring school to work on an art project with the students 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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