Mookie hosts second annual Thanksgiving event

This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio’s Dodgers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts will, in all likelihood, finish his playing career in Los Angeles, making this his new home. Because of that, Betts has started to understand the importance he’ll have in the community.

With Thanksgiving a few days away, Betts hosted a Thanksgiving Grab and Go drive-thru event at Algin Sutton Recreation Center in South Los Angeles for the second consecutive year.

Betts and his wife, Brianna, provided 1,500 meals, which included turkeys and some toys for kids, during the event.

“It’s the holidays and it’s the season of giving,” Betts said. “Thanksgiving means the world to me, especially spending time with my family, which -- it’s hard for me to spend a lot of time with my family because of my work. Thanksgiving really hits home for me and I really cherish these moments. I cherish giving back and cherish these times spending time with family.”

While Betts’ event wrapped up a busy week, it wasn’t the only initiative the Dodgers had leading up to the holiday. Dodger Stadium hosted more than 400 veterans experiencing homelessness to enjoy a Thanksgiving-style lunch. The veterans also received a gift bag.

And, as has been the case for nearly two decades, the Dodgers did provide turkeys to local communities in the area. In 2023, the Dodgers donated a total of $30,000 to six local charities that will provide turkeys and trimmings to people in need.

With all that being said, have a good and safe holiday week!