D-Fenders players Brian Chase, Jackie Manuel and Chet Mason as well as Assistant Coach Chucky Brown visited the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House on Valentines Day. They brought valentines and sweets for the children and gave flowers to each of the mothers. There were smiles on both sides as some families received the only gifts they would see for Valentine’s Day while the D-Fenders made a few new friends. In addition to delivering gifts, the players spent some time playing games, signing autographs and taking pictures with the families.

The Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House serves as a "home-away-from-home” for families of children undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals for life-threatening illnesses. The Ronald McDonald House provides inexpensive, and often free, lodging for families who travel long distances while their children are hospitalized. The availability of the Ronald McDonald Houses alleviates the stress families would have to endure by sleeping at the hospital or incurring the additional expense of finding a local hotel. Additionally, these facilities provide families with the added comfort of being surrounded by those who understand and can relate to the ordeal of having an ill child.

For more information on the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House and how you can help, please visit www.larmh.org.

If your community group or organization would like to get a chance to meet the Los Angeles D-Fenders, contact the Community Relations Department at (310) 426-2231.