Those displaced by the May 3 fire that gutted the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission will be treated to a Dodgers game Wednesday, and donated goods for the mission may be dropped off at Dodger Stadium Thursday.
The blaze, which started in pile of wooden pallets next door, gutted the shelter at 13422 Saticoy St. in North Hollywood and damaged or destroyed mission vehicles, a clothing warehouse and food pantry. About two dozen people were displaced.
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The Dodgers and the team's foundation urged Angelenos to bring donations of canned or nonperishable foods, clothing, shoes, blankets, towel, toiletries, baby items to Lot 1 at Dodger Stadium, where wives of Dodger players, members of the Dodgers Alumni League, City Council staffers and Los Angeles firefighters will be collecting donations between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
"The Dodger community spans far and wide and we feel strongly about the unfortunate circumstances affecting our neighbors at the San Fernando Valley Mission" said Renata Simril, the Dodgers' senior vice president of external affairs. "We invite all Dodger fans to lend a helping hand the mission while they attend any of our games against Miami or by stopping by this Thursday."
Firefighters also will be collecting monetary donations at today's 7 p.m. game against the Miami Marlins.
One child at the shelter lost his favorite Dodger blanket in the blaze. The team will provide him and all the fans with new blankets.
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"They are not only replacing William's blanket; they have invited our families to enjoy a Dodger game and are helping us rescue the mission," said Wade Trimmer, executive director of the mission.
About $2.5 million is needed to rebuild the shelter, a mission spokeswoman has said, and seven Los Angeles City Council members each donated $2,500 each.
The Dodgers and the team's foundation began an online fundraising campaign that can be accessed at www.dodgers.com/ladf.
