Orioles Support Birdland With Thanksgiving Initiatives

November 26th, 2024

This Thanksgiving, the Baltimore Orioles continued their long-standing commitment to the community, partnering with key organizations to support families and individuals in need across Birdland. Through food donations, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, the Orioles made a tangible impact in the lives of those who needed it most during this season of giving.

“As we gather with our loved ones this Thanksgiving, the Orioles remain committed to supporting the Baltimore and Sarasota communities, especially those who need it most,” said KERRY R. WATSON, JR., Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “Whether it’s providing meals, volunteering our time, or partnering with local organizations like Giant Food, Wegmans, and CareFirst, we are proud to make a positive impact and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season.”

Gift Cards and Food Donation to Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

In collaboration with Giant Food, the Orioles made a special Thanksgiving donation to the students and families of the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. The team contributed 25 gift cards and 50 pies, ensuring these families could enjoy a festive holiday meal together. Additionally, Orioles employees rallied to collect more than 1,100 canned goods and other non-perishable items, further supporting the school's efforts to provide for those in need.

Volunteering at The Food Project

On Tuesday, November 19, the Orioles Corporate Partnerships team, alongside employees from CareFirst, volunteered at The Food Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Volunteers assisted in preparing meals in the kitchen, distributing food, and packing toiletry bags for those in need. Following their work, volunteers joined students and staff across the street for a meal, prepared by the talented chefs and students at The Food Project.

Providing Thanksgiving Meals for Families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School

In partnership with Wegmans, the Orioles helped to provide full Thanksgiving meals to 50 families at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School (HPEMS) as part of their Adopt-A-School campaign. Wegmans worked alongside the Orioles to create a Thanksgiving shopping experience for families as well as providing holiday activities for students.

Earlier this year, the Orioles announced their Adopt-A-School campaign, endorsed by Baltimore City Public Schools in support of Harlem Park Elementary Middle School in West Baltimore. The Adopt-A-School campaign is a dedicated approach to developing partnerships between City schools, the Baltimore Orioles, and their network of supporters and community organizations. Ultimately, this program is grounded in the belief that unwavering support and solid opportunities can play a pivotal role in accelerating student and school success.

All Faiths Food Bank Turkey Distribution and Food Drive in Sarasota

The Orioles once again partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to host the annual “ThankFull” Thanksgiving turkey distribution, providing essential support to families in need throughout the Sarasota community. Held at Ed Smith Stadium, this long-standing tradition, which began in 2014, helped ensure that those facing food insecurity could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. The event was part of All Faiths Food Bank’s broader mission to alleviate hunger in the region. Volunteers from the Orioles’ employee volunteer program, Orange & Black Gives Back, were on-site, helping to make the event a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved. In its fourth consecutive year of collaboration, 910 turkeys and side dishes were distributed across multiple locations, including a significant portion from the Orioles’ spring training campus.

In addition, Sarasota staff hosted a Thanksgiving food drive, collecting essential food items to support neighbors in need.

These endeavors reflect the Orioles' ongoing dedication to supporting Baltimore and Sarasota’s most vulnerable populations. Through long-term community partnerships and outreach programs, the team continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and individuals across the city in need throughout the holiday season and beyond.