Bucs give back to community with CARE-a-van

PITTSBURGH -- Players and coaches have hit the road this week for the annual Pirates CARE-a-van, taking part in dozens of events in 11 cities. But their three-day trek around the greater Pittsburgh area began at home, in the heart of a community that was shaken by loss only months ago.

The Pirates' CARE-a-van started Wednesday with a trip to Tree of Life, the Squirrel Hill synagogue at which 11 people were killed and seven were injured in a mass shooting on Oct. 27. The Pirates are continuing to offer support. Pirates Charities previously donated $50,000 to three local organizations, and the CARE-a-van has given the Bucs a chance to visit Squirrel Hill and spend time with local police; all…