By Jon Weisman
To aid those whose lives have been harmed by a devastating fire at the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, the Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation are leading an online donation effort now through May 19 and a collection of items at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
Damage sustained included the destruction of the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter, vehicle fleet, clothing warehouse includes modern facility dry storage space and food pantry, all of which were vital in aiding those of need in the San Fernando Valley.
Monetary donations are being taken at www.dodgers.com/ladf. All donations received this week will go directly to the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission.
In addition, fans are also invited to drive through Dodger Stadium on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to drop off donations in Lot 1. The Dodgers will be joined by members of the Dodger Alumni League, Dodger wives, staff from City Council offices as well as the Los Angeles Fire Department and San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission in their collection of items for the mission.
The Dodgers and LADF suggest donations at Dodger Stadium of new or gently-worn clothing and shoes, new or used blankets, bedding and towels, toiletries, baby items and canned and dry food items.
Additionally, more than 15 families affected by the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission fire will attend Wednesday’s 7:10 p.m. game vs. Miami, courtesy of the Dodgers. One of the young children affected by the fire lost his favorite Dodger blanket; the Dodgers will be providing him along with all families in attendance with new Dodger blankets.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department will also be collecting monetary donations during Wednesday’s game and at Thursday’s event.
“The Dodger community spans far and wide, and we feel strongly about the unfortunate circumstances affecting our neighbors at the San Fernando Valley Mission,” said Dodger senior vice president of external affairs Renata Simril. “We invite all Dodger fans to lend a helping hand to the Mission while they attend any of our games against Miami or by stopping by this Thursday.”
Said Los Angeles City Council member Paul Krekorian: “The moment the Dodgers heard about the terrible loss suffered by the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and the families it serves, they offered to step up and help rescue the Mission. I urge everyone to follow the Dodgers’ lead this week by donating money, clothing and personal items in whatever amount possible.”
Founded in 1998, the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission began as the Rescue Survival Outreach Services (S.O.S.) Program serving meals to the Valley’s homeless. In 2002, the Mission launched the Family Shelter program in a collaborative effort with San Fernando Valley area churches in response to the critical unmet need for a year round emergency shelter. The program has been designed to provide homeless men, women, children and families an opportunity, not only to obtain food, shelter, and basic life necessities, but also provides a foundation for individual and family restoration by developing a personalized plan based on their needs for achieving personal growth, employment, and housing. For more information, log on to www.sfvrescuemission.org or call 818-304-7593.
