The Los Angeles Dodgers, L.A. Dodgers Foundation and Smart & Final partnered to surprise customers at the chain’s Watts location by purchasing their groceries. Smart & Final additionally provided customers with gift cards.
The charitable efforts were carried out Thursday morning during the store’s exclusive hour for vulnerable shoppers (seniors, expectant mothers, people with disabilities), health care workers and first responders.
“It’s more important than ever that we come together as a community to support and bring a bit of joy to one another,” Smart & Final director of corporate communications and charitable foundation Deb Bell-Versluis said in a statement.
“We were thrilled to partner with the Dodgers to surprise Smart & Final shoppers in Jordan Downs with free groceries. We value our relationship with this neighborhood and are excited to give back to the communities in which we live and serve.”
Earlier this month the Dodgers, LADF and iHeartMedia L.A. announced a joint coronavirus (COVID-19) relief effort to provide more than 105,000 meals and more than 100,000 worth of food, water, hygiene necessities, gift cards and team products/merchandise to community organizations.
Two weeks ago the Dodgers and LADF partnered with Farmer John, Frito-Lay and Levy to serve 4,000 Dodger Dogs during lunch at The Dream Center. The nonprofit has provided daily meals for families in need, with Justin and Kourtney Turner playing a vital role in supplying food via local restaurants.
The Dodgers organization has also provided grants to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, My Friend’s Place and the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, with additional grants to be provided to organizations that address homelessness, basic needs and food insecurity.
Among other initiatives, Smart & Final previously collaborated with the Dodgers on an event that saw Joe Kelly bag groceries during the team’s Love L.A. Community Tour in 2019, and last November for the 15th annual Thanksgiving giveaway at Dodger Stadium.
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