Those affected by the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires received some relief at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Friday.
Twelve Los Angeles-area sports teams, including the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, banded together for a giveaway at nearby Hollywood Park, assisting wildfire victims with apparel, shoes, grocery gift cards, food, pet supplies, and other essential aid. The event was in accordance with the Fanatics Foundation, which distributed $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to those forced to evacuated from their homes.
Rams legend Aaron Donald was at the Hollywood Park event to show his support.
"Thank you to everybody that's been a resource from Southern California to the outskirts," Donald said, alongside his wife, Erica Donald. "Everybody's doing their part, trying to make a difference and trying to help. We want to just thank everyone; it means the world. We are going to continue to do our part, to be a resource, to continue to help the community in times of need, just like this, and we'll continue to stay together."
Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and BMO Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club, also held similar events on Friday. The Angels, Angel City FC, Clippers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, Lakers and Sparks were among the 12 professional sports clubs taking part in the events.
Beginning on Jan. 7, several wind-fueled blazes engulfed the greater Los Angeles area, killing over 20 people and destroying over 12,000 structures, according to the Associated Press. The Palisades and Eaton Fires -- the two biggest wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena/Pasadena areas -- have yet to be fully contained and thousands remain evacuated from their homes.
With public safety in mind, the NFL moved the Rams' Wild Card Round playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams advanced to the Divisional Round with a 27-9 victory over the Vikings this past Monday, and are on the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Jan. 19.
"In times of adversity, true integrity is shown. Arizona, you were there for us when we needed it most," the Rams said in a statement Friday. "We are grateful to the Bidwill Family, the entire Arizona Cardinals staff, and the local community who took us in without hesitation and with gracious hospitality. From all of us at the Los Angeles Rams, THANK YOU."
Ahead of their Divisional Round matchup versus the Rams on Sunday, the Eagles pledged $500,000 and additional relief efforts to help support the Los Angeles area.
The NFL community has contributed millions of dollars in relief to local organizations, including the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, the American Red Cross, the California Fire Foundation and Team Rubicon.
