Los Angeles, California – Fresh off a second-in-a-row World Series win, Dodgers pitcher Will Kline was joined by alum Dennis Powell, Billy Ashley, and Ken Landreaux among dozens of volunteers at the Dream Center Foundation in Silverlake for the 18th Annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. Families drove through, got some much-needed support, snapped a few selfies, and got autographs.
“The Dodgers are proud to stand with our community every day, and the holiday season is an especially meaningful time to give back.” – Kristin McCowan, VP of Community and Government Affairs, Los Angeles Dodgers.
Earlier in the day LA Mayor Karen Bass helped volunteers as they prepared food for the giveaway.
“It is a privilege to provide 1,500 meals to L.A. families, supported by our amazing volunteers. Jacoby & Meyers is always here for our community when you need us, and this event is a highlight of our year. We are honored to help our neighbors enjoy a safe and happy holiday meal with their loved ones.” – Michael Akiva, Managing Partner, Jacoby & Meyers
Photos by Chris Ian Garlington for Elevate SoCal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are widely recognized as one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball, but their influence extends far beyond the diamond. While championship trophies and sell-out crowds define their professional legacy, it is their deep-rooted commitment to the Southern California community that truly defines the organization’s heart. Through the Dodgers Foundation and strategic local partnerships, the team works year-round to address food insecurity, support youth education, and provide resources to underserved families.
In Southern California, where the gap between different socioeconomic groups can be vast, the Dodgers utilize their platform to foster unity and provide tangible relief. This commitment is most visible during the holiday season and throughout their extensive summer programming, creating a lasting impact that outlives any single baseball season. Community-focused initiatives like these reflect a broader culture of civic engagement across Southern California.
The Annual Thanksgiving Tradition: More Than Just a Meal
Every November, the Los Angeles Dodgers participate in a tradition that has become a cornerstone of their community outreach: the annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. For nearly two decades, the organization has partnered with local foundations to ensure that thousands of families across Los Angeles can enjoy a traditional holiday meal.
A Team Effort at the Dream Center
The 18th Annual Thanksgiving giveaway, held at the Dream Center Foundation in Silverlake, serves as a prime example of the team’s hands-on approach. Current players, such as pitcher Will Kline, often join forces with legendary Dodgers alumni like Dennis Powell, Billy Ashley, and Ken Landreaux. This multi-generational representation of the team demonstrates a long-standing culture of service that is passed down from veteran players to new recruits.
At these events, the atmosphere is one of celebration and mutual respect. Families driving through the distribution lines receive more than just poultry and sides; they get the opportunity to interact with their sports heroes, collect autographs, and share a moment of joy. This personal connection helps bridge the gap between a multi-billion-dollar sports entity and the everyday residents of Los Angeles. Similar moments of community connection can be seen throughout Los Angeles during large-scale civic and volunteer-driven events.
Strategic Partnerships for Maximum Impact
The success of these large-scale distributions relies on collaboration. Organizations like Jacoby & Meyers and local government leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, frequently provide the logistical support and volunteer power necessary to serve over 1,500 families in a single day. By working with established nonprofits like the Dream Center, the Dodgers ensure that resources are directed toward those with the greatest need. Coordinated planning and logistics are essential not only for community outreach, but also for managing large-scale regional efforts.
Investing in the Future: The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF)
While holiday events provide immediate relief, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) focuses on long-term social change. As the official team charity, the LADF tackles complex challenges such as education, healthcare access, and social justice.
Dodgers Dreamfields: Safe Spaces for Play
One of the foundation’s most ambitious projects is the “Dodgers Dreamfields” initiative. Since its inception, the program has built or refurbished over 60 baseball fields in neighborhoods where safe recreational spaces are scarce. These fields serve as more than just sports venues; they are community hubs where youth learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience. By providing high-quality facilities in parks from East LA to the San Fernando Valley, the Dodgers are investing in the physical and mental well-being of SoCal youth. Long-term community investments like these align with broader conversations about accessibility, equity, and shared spaces across Los Angeles.
Literacy and Education Initiatives
The Dodgers understand that a child’s success is determined by more than just athletic ability. Programs like “LA Reads” encourage local students to develop a lifelong love of reading. By offering incentives, hosting reading circles with players, and donating thousands of books to local schools, the Dodgers help combat literacy gaps in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Addressing Food Insecurity and Health
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in Southern California. Outside of the Thanksgiving season, the Dodgers maintain a presence in the fight against hunger. Through partnerships with regional food banks, the team helps facilitate the distribution of millions of meals annually.
Supporting Health and Wellness
The organization also prioritizes health equity. Through mobile clinics and fitness programs, the Dodgers promote active lifestyles and provide access to basic health screenings. These initiatives are designed to reach communities that may face barriers to traditional healthcare, ensuring that being a “Dodger fan” also means having access to resources for a healthier life. Community wellness and resilience are also reflected in how Southern California responds to broader challenges.
The Role of Alumni: Carrying the Torch
A unique aspect of the Dodgers’ community work is the active involvement of retired players. The “Dodgers Alumni Association” is one of the most active in professional sports. Former players remain in the Los Angeles area specifically to serve as ambassadors for the team’s charitable arms.
When a former player like Ken Landreaux or Billy Ashley attends a community event, they bring a sense of history and continuity. For older residents, these players represent the “glory days” of their youth; for younger fans, they represent the enduring legacy of the Blue Heaven on Earth. This involvement ensures that the Dodgers’ commitment to “doing good” is not a temporary marketing trend but a core component of the brand’s identity.
Why Community Engagement Matters for Professional Sports
In the modern era, professional sports teams are expected to be more than just entertainment providers. They are major economic engines and cultural touchstones. The Los Angeles Dodgers have set a high standard for how a team can leverage its influence to enact positive change.
- Building Fan Loyalty: When fans see their team helping their neighbors, it creates a bond that goes deeper than wins and losses.
- Economic Empowerment: By partnering with local vendors and nonprofits, the Dodgers help circulate wealth within the Southern California economy.
- Social Responsibility: Large organizations have the resources to address systemic issues—like the digital divide or food deserts—that individuals cannot tackle alone.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Kindness
The Los Angeles Dodgers have proven that a “World Series” mentality can be applied to community service. Whether it is through the distribution of 1,500 Thanksgiving turkeys, the construction of a new Dreamfield, or a simple autograph for a young fan in Silverlake, the impact of the “Blue” is felt throughout every corner of Southern California.
As the team moves forward, its mission remains clear: to win on the field and to lead with kindness off of it. For the residents of Los Angeles, the Dodgers are more than just a baseball team—they are a vital partner in the ongoing effort to elevate the region and provide a brighter future for all.
Content for this story was expanded and refined using AI technology to provide a more in-depth look at the event.
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