Last week Dino Ebel accompanied the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), Think Together and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for a visit with approximately 50 students at Werner Elementary School in Rialto, California.
Ebel assisted in the distribution of books and gifts for the students, and also read “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” written by former Major League scout Larry Harper. The book fittingly includes a foreword from retired Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully.
The event was part of L.A. Reads, a joint literacy program between the Los Angeles Dodgers and LADF. Now in its fifth season, the focuses on addressing the literacy crisis in Los Angeles by generating an excitement for reading.
“It’s very special to me to come out to my community and be able to speak to the youth about the importance of doing well in school and achieving your dreams,” Ebel said. “I know the importance of coming from a small town and showing kids that they can be anything if they put their mind to it.”
Participants of the L.A. Reads program are challenged to read at least 30 minutes a day, and stellar students garner recognition on the field at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers Foundation has distributed more than 10,000 books and $25,000 in grants to literacy-focused organizations, plus helped motivate students to read more than 1 million minutes over the years.
Dodgers Foundation lifted spirits
As the Thanksgiving holiday was drawing near, the LADF spurred into action by hosting two turkey giveaway events. Mookie Betts and his wife joined their efforts at Algin Sutton Recreation Center; and Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol, Justin Turner, Kourtney Turner and Fernando Valenzuela were among those on hand for the drive-thru at Dodger Stadium.
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