LADF launches Dodgers RBI Dodger Day Drive-Thrus presented by ARCO
by Erin Edwards
There was no hesitation from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it’s about helping families try to recover.
One of LADF’s first actions was to conduct a 2020 Dodgers RBI COVID-19 Needs Assessment to measure the impact of the pandemic on Dodgers RBI households. The outcomes illustrated that many families were struggling, and resulted in the launch of Dodger Day Drive-Thru presented by ARCO to provide important resources and support.
The new “drive-thru” series will provide 132,000 meals and more than $480,000 in resources.
“Prior to the pandemic, we were already on the ground in these communities that need support the most,” said Tiffany Rubin, LADF director of youth programs. “Our Dodgers RBI families have been hit extremely hard by this pandemic. As we shift from relief to recovery, it is important to meet our families in their communities and listen to what they need to help them thrive. We are proud to partner with parks and recreation departments, Dodger team sponsors, and donors to launch this series complementing our ongoing Dodgers RBI virtual season.”
Throughout the year, the Dodgers RBI program typically hosts Dodger Days as community-based resource fairs at local parks for thousands of kids and their families. In response to COVID-19, the new “drive-thru” series is an adjustment from its in-person format. This past weekend, LADF hosted the first of five Drive-Thru events for the 800 registered Dodgers RBI families in the LAX and South Bay regions.
Families arrived at Alondra Park eager to receive basic needs and left saying it was “a blessing.” As cars made their way through the parking lot, volunteers placed food boxes, exercise and fitness resources, softball and baseball equipment, books, and educational materials into their trunks.
Take a look, courtesy of Dodger photographer Jon Soohoo:
The first Dodger Day was made possible thanks to a partnership with County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation South Agency. A special thanks to Dodger employees, Dodgers RBI Field Champions, Dodgers RBI Parent Advisory Team members, Up2Us Sports, Positive Coaching Alliance LA, Coaching Corps, and City of Inglewood Parks and Recreation Department for providing needed volunteers.
The 2020 Dodgers RBI season is made possible thanks to Community Ambassador Bank of America, 2020 Dodgers RBI program sponsors and Dodger Day supporters: 99 Cents Only Stores, ARCO, Baby2Baby, California Masonic Foundation, Dasani, Stephen R. Dennis Memorial Fund, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Helen and Will Webster Foundation, Kershaw’s Challenge, LA84 Foundation, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles County Department of Water and Power, Melissa’s Produce, Nike, and UCLA Health.
To learn more about the Dodgers RBI program and to review the complete COVID-19 Dodgers RBI Needs Assessment, please visit Dodgers.com/DodgersRBI.
