Students visited with Santa before receiving items from the Los Angeles Dodgers. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers)

The Los Angeles Dodgers visited four elementary schools on Dec. 14 to hand out items ahead of the holiday season.

As part of the Dodgers’ annual holiday program, volunteers boarded the Dodgers Holiday Express bus and delivered 500 toys and 400 pairs of shoes to students at Solano Avenue Elementary, Castelar Elementary, Logan Academy of Global Ecology and Elysian Heights Elementary Arts Magnet. They also provided lunch and teamed up with WSS Cares to donate 400 gift cards.

“Every year, the Dodgers commit to spreading holiday cheer by providing unique opportunities for children in our communities. This year we brought the Dodgers Holiday Express to schools surrounding Dodger Stadium and were able to surprise 400 children with much needed gifts and a special visit from Santa Claus,” said Naomi Rodriguez, Dodger vice president of external affairs and community relations. “We are proud to play a small role in spreading some much-deserved holiday cheer to kids who are right in our backyard.”

Greeted by music from The Cheat Codes, an electronic DJ trio, students were given the items ahead of the holidays. The Dodgers also partnered with Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit organization that recognizes the importance of owning new athletic shoes to learn, play and thrive with confidence.

“One in three children in the United States live in low-income families and shoes are one of the most expensive items to provide. When families have to choose between putting food on the table or buying new shoes for school, you can imagine that food wins every time,” CEO and executive director of Shoes That Fit Amy Fass said. “The simple gift of a pair of shoes can increase a child’s confidence, attendance and performance at school, and we are so thankful that the Dodgers are taking the time to make such a positive impact on kids in their community.”