Southern California area has been hit with a wave of wildfires in recent weeks, causing an unprecedented level of devastation and leaving many people with nothing. It’s been a tough time, but it has also seen members of the community come together to support each other.
The Los Angeles Dodgers joined forces with the Los Angeles Lakers, Angel City Football Club, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Angels, LAFC, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Galaxy, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Sparks to donate more than $8 million to support victims and those fighting the fires.
In addition, the 12 teams – in partnership with the teams’ own foundations – have joined forces with Fanatics and the Fanatics Foundation to distribute $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to Angelenos who have been evacuated from their homes.
Along with the apparel items being donated by Fanatics, teams are collectively contributing thousands more items that will be given out at three upcoming events.
These events will also feature individual teams’ community partners on site at various locations distributing personal hygiene kits, school supplies, sneakers and more. Evacuated victims of the fires will be able to participate in the distribution events on Friday, Jan. 17, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at three locations – Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium and BMO Stadium.
Angelenos with proof of residency in evacuated zip codes, and only those, will be eligible to attend.
The Dodgers, Galaxy, Kings, Lakers and Sparks will be the clubs represented at Dodger Stadium and evacuees attending are asked to enter through Gate E before proceeding to Lot 1.
The Clippers, Chargers and Rams will be at SoFi Stadium with the entrance off Prairie at 97th St, park in PS2 and PS3.
BMO Stadium has the Angel City, Angels, Ducks and LAFC in attendance with the entrance at S. Hoover St., take first right and park in Green Lot, then proceed to Northwest Pepsi Plaza.
Bus transportation is being offered to help individuals residing in area evacuation shelters with travel to stadium distribution sites.
Lunch will be provided to individuals and families at the stadium events.
Fanatics, professional leagues and Los Angeles sports organizations partnered on Friday, January 10 to launch an “LA Strong” collection of t-shirts and sweatshirts, with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. Fans can visit fanatics.com/lastrong to purchase the limited items and support communities in need.
The Dodgers, in conjunction with the Lakers, Galaxy, USC Trojans, Sparks, Ducks, Kings, Clippers, Chargers, LAFC, Angel City, Rams and Angels, are all listed as available shirts.
In addition to the Dodgers’ efforts, Freddie Freeman and his wife Chelsea made multiple donations. Chris Taylor and his wife Mary are also raising money through their CT3 Foundation for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Dodgers statement on L.A. fires
The Dodgers released a statement regarding the fires, pledging their support in all efforts to provide relief to those impacted.
“The players, front office and staff of the Dodgers are absolutely heartbroken over the devastation of the fires in and around Los Angeles. We are working closely with community partners and impacted areas and look forward to announcing more about our immediate efforts and our ongoing work in the coming days,” the team said.
“We are grateful to all the first responders who have been on the front lines of this tragedy, and we grieve with the thousands of families who have lost their homes and possessions, including those within the Dodgers organization.”
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