The Los Angeles Kings are in the middle of a successful season, one that sees them as a threat in the Pacific Division. The team is playing like a unit and is ready for a second-half push that will see them earn a playoff spot yet again. However, outside of the crypto.com arena, the Los Angeles area is fighting another battle, and one that is sought to be one of the worst in Los Angeles history. The destruction is horrible and unspeakable, and no words can explain what people have lost. Some of these families will be able to regroup and get back on their feet. For others, it will not be easy. That is where the Kings organization comes in as they have united with 11 other local organizations to help the city gets back on its feet.
Kings organize help to clean up destruction
The Kings and the 11 local professional organizations have agreed to donate a combined $8 million to help the city get back to its feet. The wildfires across Los Angeles have done so much damage that it may never be fully restored because of the significant damage. Along with the Kings, the other organizations taking part include the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund, Team Rubicon, along with unnamed animal rescue organizations.
The Kings, along with the LA Galaxy (Major League Soccer), and AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) have each contributed $1 million to help the cause. The community has suffered a great loss and it will be months, maybe years, before the city can recover from this disaster.
The Kings have also helped organize programs to support the LA Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. They have set up a donation drive at the Toyota Sports Performance Center (TSPC) in El Segundo, California as a spot there they can receive donations. The Kings have also collected critical supplies along with the TSPC to ensure fire relief and massive efforts to recover anything possible. Throughout the week, donations will be accepted and can be dropped off in the front of the TSPC between the hours of 10am and 6pm at the loading zones.
While this donation drive is critical and much needed, there are specific items that are required than others. They include: shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, new and unopened diapers and wipes, unopened bottle water, working phone chargers, canned/ packaged non-perishable food items, supplies and food for pets, and usable hockey gear.
The small efforts come on the ice also. The Kings, and opposing teams, are wearing commemorative Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) stickers on their helmets. The Kings will also be wearing special LAFD shoulder patches on their jerseys to honor those who are risking their lives to bring this to an end. The jerseys, and limited helmets, are going to be auctioned off and every sale will go straight to the LAFD foundation. A great cause by the Kings and every organization involved to help ease this tough situation that most in Los Angeles are going through at this though time.
(photo: fireandsafetyjournalamericas.com; Ian Hoey) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley)
The post Kings, others help those affected by widespread fire appeared first on Los Angeles Sports Nation.