San Diego FC (SDFC) today launched its annual Season of Giving, a month-long holiday community initiative bringing together the Club, its players, staff and supporters to address critical needs across San Diego County.
Running from early November through mid-December, this year’s Season of Giving presented by Adriana’s Insurance will focus on three key areas: food insecurity, youth support and community wellness, providing fans and community members with opportunities to make a direct impact through donations, volunteer service and community engagement.
“San Diego FC exists to serve this entire region, and the Season of Giving is one of the clearest expressions of that commitment,” said SDFC Vice President of Community Joel Katz. “Every toy and every can will be donated to a family in our community who will feel a little more supported this holiday season. We're grateful to Adriana's Insurance, Agramont Worldwide Logistics, Hawthorne CAT and Bright Event Rentals for standing behind this campaign with us, and we're asking our fans to do what they do best – show up for San Diego.”
As part of the campaign, SDFC is once again partnering with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank through its One City, One Table initiative. SDFC will donate $9,000 to the Food Bank, equivalent to 18,000 meals for local families. (Every $1 donated provides two meals to local families.)
“Food has a unique way of bringing people together, especially during the holidays,” said Casey Castillo, CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “San Diego FC's One City, One Table campaign reflects the very best of our region: neighbors helping neighbors. We're grateful for their partnership and for every fan who chooses to support this effort. Together, we can help ensure more families across San Diego County have food on the table and hope for the season ahead.”
The Club is also inviting fans to join the effort through food, toy and essential-item donations at multiple SDFC locations throughout the campaign.
HOW FANS CAN PARTICIPATE
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 7, fans can support the Season of Giving by donating non-perishable food items at Snapdragon Stadium on matchday and by dropping off new, unwrapped toys and essential family items at Eighteen Threads, the Club’s official retail store, through Thursday, Dec. 11.
Fans and community members can donate items including:
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Canned and dry beans
- Canned soup
- Canned and dried fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Rice and pasta
- Peanut butter
- New, unwrapped toys
- Shoes
- Blankets
- Books
- Diapers
- Hygiene supplies
Donated goods will be distributed through SDFC’s local nonprofit partners and in partnership with Hawthorne CAT, Agramont Worldwide Logistics and Bright Event Rentals, including the Armed Services YMCA of San Diego County (ASYMCA), and select schools from across the region, helping provide critical resources to families and youth throughout the region.
ONE CITY, ONE TABLE
SDFC’s One City, One Table initiative will continue to focus on combating seasonal hunger in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
In addition to SDFC’s $9,000 contribution, fans can support the Food Bank by bringing non-perishable food donations to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, with additional collection opportunities at Eighteen Threads and other Club locations throughout the campaign.
The Food Bank’s most needed non-perishable food items include:
- Canned chicken and tuna
- Canned and dry beans
- Canned soup
- Canned and dried fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Rice and pasta
- Peanut butter
CLUB STAFF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
SDFC staff members will also participate in hands-on community service projects throughout the Season of Giving. This year’s volunteer efforts will center on storm-readiness and community resilience, including projects focused on flood and erosion prevention, creek cleanups, sandbag preparation and beautification of community parks.
SDFC and Hawthorne CAT staff will also volunteer with the San Diego Food Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 24, supporting the organization’s efforts to prepare and distribute food to families across the region during the holiday season.
18 DAYS OF GRATITUDE
Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1, SDFC will celebrate its annual 18 Days of Gratitude social campaign, highlighting 18 individuals and organizations making a positive impact in San Diego and featuring messages of gratitude from SDFC players and members of the Club.
The Season of Giving will also include additional community moments throughout November and December, including holiday toy distributions, soccer gear donation collection & sorting and youth-focused giving initiatives.
Fans can learn more about SDFC’s Season of Giving and find information about donation and volunteer opportunities at SanDiegoFC.com/club/community/season-of-giving
