World Series champions merchandise has taken over the top deck store at Dodger Stadium, but on Tuesday, it was turkeys and thanksgiving meals that filled the area just outside that shop.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation hosted their annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway with Anthony Banda, Tony Gonsolin and Landon Knack helping distribute meals to families during the drive-thru event. In addition, Dodgers alumni Manny Mota and Billy Ashley were also on hand to help.
In total, the Dodgers, in conjunction with Jacoby & Meyers, distributed 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to local families to help create a memorable holiday.
The Dodgers worked with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to identify households most in need, specifically those experiencing homelessness or extreme hardship, with assistance from LAUSD’s Homeless Education Program
Meals distributed at the event consisted of turkey and a host of sides, including cranberry sauce, boxed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and pies.
“It means a lot,” Knack said. “It’s great to be able to give back to the community, especially a community that supports us as much as Dodgers fans do, and being able to get out here, have that one on one, being able to give back a little bit, it feels really good.”
After a long career bouncing around between different organizations, Banda has seemingly found a home with the Dodgers as one of their high-leverage relievers, and he’s been embraced by the Los Angeles community while doing it.
“It’s amazing, because when I see them smile, it makes me smile,” Banda said. “Knowing that they’re enjoying themselves even though they’re driving through with their vehicles. But being able to put this uniform on and to express that gratitude toward them, giving back to the community and them appreciating it, smiling and enjoying themselves, it really brings a lot.”
The event was especially personal for Banda as he has experienced hardship similar to the families he was helping.
“I think it’s amazing what we’re doing in giving back to the community,” Banda said. “It fills my heart, really. I was at one point where we needed some help with the holidays and all the other good stuff, so to be able to do this, it really warms my heart. It hits home for me, for real.”
Gonsolin was also happy to be back out in the community after missing the 2024 season with an injury and being unable to participate in events while alway from the club on rehab.
“It’s incredible,” Gonsolin said. “I missed a lot of this year, so I didn’t get to come out to any of these community events, but it’s always a pleasure to come out here and work with the Dodgers and Dodgers Foundation to give back to the community.”
Mookie Betts and Dodgers Foundation giving away more turkeys
The Dodgers Foundation will continue giving out Thanksgiving meals in partnership with the Mookie Betts 50/50 Foundation and the Brotherhood Crusade on Thursday.
More than 750 families will receive free food baskets, holiday toys and gift cards. The basket includes a turkey, trimmings and the gift cards.
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