Athletics Give Back To Families in Oakland-Area
Dec 11, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:38 am
(Photo Credit: Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
It’s the start of the Oakland Athletics’ Week Of Giving for December.
A trio of A’s players are hosting this event, including Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman, Marcus Semien and Stephen Piscotty to give back to families in the Oakland area.
“I’m happy to be in a position to give back. A lot of people aren’t,” said Chapman.
During the A’s Week of Giving, the Athletics will participate as goodwill ambassadors and are designed to brighten the lives of local Oakland families and youths.
“Giving to people in need is very important […] It’s neat that this week is happening in Oakland. We’re very fortunate to be professional athletes in this city.” – Semien
On Monday, Chapman and Semien met up at City Hall to fill bags with coloring books, games and other items as part of the Community Toy Drive to benefit low-income families.
Both players will meet up again tomorrow to sort through edible items in preparation for Tuesdays’ distribution at the Alameda County Community Food Bank warehouse.
Wednesday will involve the trio at the Oakland Zoo for the team’s holiday party, which features 180 fifth-graders from A’s partnering schools: Parker Elementary, Vincent Academy and Lincoln Elementary. The students will have the opportunity to tour the zoo and make holiday crafts.
The week will end with another holiday party at the Salvation Army Garden Street Center to focus on the needs of families with gifts and care packages to those residing in the center’s emergency shelter.