The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) continues to respond to the COVID-19 emergency with essential services and donations for the most vulnerable Angelenos throughout the holiday season. According to the County of Los Angeles, nearly 1 in 4 residents have suffered from food insecurity during the pandemic. In response, LADF has worked with Dodger partners, corporate sponsors, volunteers, and nonprofits to provide 478,000 meals and more than $2.2 million worth of food, water, hygiene necessities, educational items, and Dodger products to those in need.  

“We are saddened by the ongoing pandemic and its continued devastation of our communities,” said Nichol Whiteman, LADF’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to ongoing relief efforts during the holidays and for as long as it takes.”

December Giving Highlights: 

• Jordan Brand LA and Dodger outfielder Mookie Betts surprised 50 Dodgers RBI youth and their coaches from Belvedere Park in East LA, Darby Park, and Rogers Park in Inglewood, and Jesse Owens Park in South LA with a pair of Jordan XI Jubilee shoes.   
• As part of its final Dodger Day Grab & Go distribution, LADF is partnering with the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine to support 21 additional Dodgers RBI locations. Food, toys, sports equipment, hygiene supplies, and educational resources are being distributed to: Bixby Park, Chavez Park, Cherry Park, College Estates, Coolidge Park, Drake Park, El Dorado Park West, Houghton Park, MacArthur Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, McBride Park, Orizaba Park, Pan American Park, Ramona Park, Scherer Park, Silverado Park, Somerset Park, Stearns Champions Park, Veterans Park, Wardlow Park, and Whaley Park.  
• In partnership with Hunger Not Impossible, a text-based hunger solution program, LADF provided 4,364 meals to 50 Dodgers RBI youth and their families from the City of Compton. 
• LADF partnered with the LA Regional Food Bank to provide 500 pantry stable food boxes for Houghton Park in Long Beach. 
• Together with the Dodgers and Levy, 1,000 pounds of food was provided to the Union Rescue Mission to support meals for homeless individuals on Skid Row.  
• Longtime Dodger partner Chef Barbara Batiste helped LADF provide 7,500 meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Metro LA, Boys and Girls Club Ramona Gardens, A Place Called Home, and Community Coalition.

LADF also invited 400 families from Dodgers RBI and children in the foster care system supported by nonprofit partners, Friends of the Children LA and Extraordinary Families, to enjoy a free evening at the Dodgers Holiday Festival. As part of the Festival, LADF has been accepting donations of toys, socks, and new or gently-used baseball and softball equipment.  

• RaiseAChild has distributed 1,400 toys with the LA County Department of Children & Family Services to children currently in the foster care system. 
• 1,200 socks have been distributed to LA Family Housing, which helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched supportive services. 

Donations will continue to be collected at the Festival, which runs through January 3, 2021.

  *  *  * 

(Article courtesy of LA Dodgers)

  *  *  *  *  *  *