On November 7, the San Francisco 49ers and Levi Strauss & Co joined together at 49ers Headquarters to provide outfits to 214 Bay Area foster youth from six local non-profit organizations.
The focus of the project was in line with the 49ers Foundation’s mission of “Keeping Kids Safe, On Track and In School.” Spearheaded by the 49ers players, along with support from their coaches, Levi Strauss & Co and the 49ers Foundation, presented a total of $30,000 to the six participating non-profit organizations to help fund their efforts. The children attending were each outfitted by Levi’s with clothing – one of the very basic necessities needed to help them thrive – during a VIP practice session at the team’s facility. After practice, the children also had the opportunity to meet the 49ers.
“This was a great event and I can’t tell you how happy we are that everybody came out today,” said 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh. “We love having youngsters out here at practice. A big portion of the money being donated today came from the players. It was the team’s idea.”
“On behalf of the team, it’s our pleasure to be able help these youth,” said 49ers LB Patrick Willis. “It was a collective idea. I just want to say that this is special to me because I was in foster care myself. So, anything helps and I’m just glad to be able to give back.”
“The San Francisco 49ers and Levi Strauss & Co. share deep roots in Bay Area history and a common thread in building a stronger community to support the kids and families who need our help,” said Levi’s Brand President James Curleigh. “We couldn’t be more proud to join forces with the 49ers in working to make a difference in the lives of the children who need it most.”
California has over 60,000 children living in foster care at any given time, many of whom enter the system with few to no possessions. Although foster parents are paid a monthly stipend to help support the costs of raising a foster child, that money is nearly 50 percent less than what it actually takes to serve the needs of a growing child. Often the lack of funds means children can’t replace clothing that’s outgrown or worn out.