The Oakland Ballers joined forces with the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) for Ballunteer Day, a powerful day of service dedicated to supporting the West Oakland community.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, more than 40 dedicated Ballunteers gathered at the ICAC Hub, located at West Side Missionary Baptist Church, to distribute nutritious produce and canned goods to hundreds of community members in partnership with Helping Others Win. In addition to food distribution, volunteers worked diligently to clean and prepare trailers that will soon become safe homes for individuals currently enrolled in the ICAC Safe Car Park Program, providing a secure overnight space for those living in their vehicles.
The Ballunteer program is a community-driven initiative of Oakland Ballers fans committed to supporting and empowering local nonprofits through collective action. Whether by providing hands-on assistance at events, offering professional expertise, or dedicating time to meaningful projects, Ballunteers help drive real change where it is needed most.
Dressed in their signature Oakland Ballers gear, the volunteers embodied the spirit of teamwork and service, working side by side with ICAC and Helping Others Win to uplift the community. "The Ballers are a community-first organization," said Laura Geist, General Manager of the Oakland Ballers. "We want the Oakland community to come out, watch the Ballers play baseball, and be part of something bigger than the game."
The efforts of the Ballunteers will directly support ICAC's plan to create a trailer village at the ICAC Hub in West Oakland and additional sites in East Oakland. Developer Randy Williamson is collaborating with ICAC to lead a transitional affordable housing initiative, providing a crucial pathway for unhoused individuals to find stability and rebuild their lives.
As the day wrapped up, Ballunteers and community members took a moment to reflect on their shared mission. Leaders from ICAC and Helping Others Win spoke about the power of unity and service, encouraging continued participation in volunteer efforts, donations, and advocacy.
"Together, we are stronger," said Pastor Ken Chambers of West Side Missionary Baptist Church and Founding President of ICAC. "Let’s keep this momentum going and make a difference—one act of kindness at a time. Working together works!"
To learn more about ICAC visit interfaithAC.org. Join the upcoming ICAC meeting on March 13, 2025, from 1-2:30 pm at the Oakland Temple Visitors Center, 4766 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602.