The Los Angeles Rams, UNIFY Financial Credit Union & St. Joseph Center hosted a holiday barbecue for 250 low-income St. Joseph Center clients on Monday, December 23. During the BBQ, Rams front office staff and UNIFY volunteers served meals and put together grocery bags filled with frozen turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and honey-baked ham to distribute to guests.

"We were excited and proud to have the Rams ask us to be part of this special day," said Natasha Ranchigoda, Vice President of Marketing at UNIFY Financial Credit Union—the official credit union of the Los Angeles Rams. "One of the most important and enjoyable aspects of our partnership with the Rams is the chance to give back and connect to the Los Angeles community in meaningful ways. Our team was grateful for the opportunity to help distribute holiday meals at the St. Joseph's Center and moved by the smiles seen on so many faces."

Rams players TROY REEDER, GREG GAINES & JACHAI POLITE along with Compton-native and hip-hop artist AMBJAAY were in attendance to assist the volunteers in their efforts and greet St. Joseph Center clients.

Additionally, the Watts Rams, a youth football program led by LAPD officers that was adopted by the LA Rams ahead of the 2019 season, joined the effort by bringing toys that they collected through a toy drive. Each child in attendance was able to choose a toy of their choice, with parents and grandparents having the opportunity to select a toy to gift to a family member.

"Our families were thrilled to meet the players, cheerleaders, and Ambjaay," said Avery Hufft, Executive Assistant at St. Joseph Center. "The volunteers made sure everyone felt welcome and left well-fed. Having the Rams, UNIFY volunteers, and Ambjaay was the perfect combo. They gave the event that extra special dazzle, something that was especially important to families who are faced with challenges."

The celebration allowed families struggling with financial instability an opportunity to come together, enjoy an afternoon of community camaraderie, and leave with a special gift and necessary ingredients for their own holiday feasts.

"The holidays can be challenging when you're struggling with poverty and homelessness," said Hufft. "That's why this event is so important. It brings fun, generosity, and holiday cheer to families dealing with difficult circumstances. Our families just had fun, whether it was children picking out a special gift or guests meeting hometown heroes like the Rams players and Ambjaay. It's truly a meaningful way for the community to come together for a great cause."

St. Joseph Center's mission is to provide working poor families, as well as homeless men, women and children of all ages, with inner resources and tools to become productive, stable and self-supporting members of their community.

This event was part of the team's second annual Community Blitz Day of Service. During the second annual Community Blitz Day of Service the Rams, community partners, influencers and team supporters impacted nearly 30,000 people across 80 miles of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. A recap of the day's events can be viewed here.