Mets Community Insider: A Look Back at December
Mets Kids Holiday Party
The New York Mets continued their annual tradition of spreading holiday cheer by hosting over 125 students from five local schools in Queens at their Kids Holiday Party at Citi Field. Mets alum Todd Zeile took on the role of Santa Claus and was joined by pitcher Reed Garrett and his wife, Mary, who distributed gifts to each child.
In addition to receiving presents, students enjoyed a holiday lunch, participated in games with Mr. and Mrs. Met, and performed on stage. Each child also left with a brand-new coat; courtesy of Operation Warm. This donation was made possible through a grant from the Foundation, supporting Operation Warm’s mission to provide warmth, confidence, and hope by connecting under-resourced kids to basic need programs and community resources.
Amazin’ Mets Foundation Holiday Dinner, Presented by Delta Air Lines
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, continued their commitment to spreading holiday cheer by hosting the annual Amazin’ Mets Foundation Holiday Dinner at Sunnyside Community Services in Queens. This event ensures that families in need can celebrate the holiday season with joy and togetherness.
Francis Mendoza, wife of Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, joined Mr. and Mrs. Met and Delta volunteers to serve meals to over 200 individuals. Children at the event received special gifts from Santa and art supplies generously donated by KINGART.
Winter Coat Drive, Presented by Your Local Toyota Dealers
The Mets and New York Cares partnered for the 18th Annual Winter Coat Drive, presented by your local Toyota dealers, at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field. Fans generously donated a record 2,509 new or gently used coats. New York Cares volunteers, alongside Mr. and Mrs. Met, collected and organized the contributions to benefit New Yorkers in need.
As a thank-you, donors received a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a future Mets home game and an exclusive discount at the Mets Team Store.
Sandlot Stars in Puerto Rico
For the second consecutive year, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation and Pitch In For Baseball and Softball partnered to bring the Foundation’s ‘Sandlot Stars’ program to Puerto Rico, distributing brand-new baseball, softball, and tee ball equipment to teams across the island.
Equipment distributions were held in Naguabo, the hometown of Mets closer Edwin Díaz, and at the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy in Florida, Puerto Rico. Both Díaz and Beltrán participated in the events, impacting nearly 400 young ballplayers.
Health & Wellness
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation and the Mets are committed to supporting programs that promote health and wellness within the community. From healthy eating to exercise, these programs help New Yorkers focus on leading healthier lifestyles.
In December, the Foundation teamed up with Girls Inc. NYC to bring ‘Mindfulness with the Mets’ to students at the Young Women’s Leadership middle school in Astoria, Queens. As part of Girls Inc.’s ‘Mind Body Matters’ program, students received mindfulness tips and participated in a yoga session led by instructor Taquice Campbell and Mrs. Met.
Later that week, Mr. Met visited P.S. 135Q in Queens Village as part of the Foundation and GrowNYC’s ‘Eat Smart’ initiative that encourages healthy eating and provides nutritional knowledge for young students. The participating class learned how to grow radishes and make nutritious radish tea sandwiches.
UPCOMING: METS WINTER BLOOD DRIVE ON JANUARY 15, 2025
The Mets and New York Blood Center are hosting the annual Winter Blood Drive on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Piazza Club at Citi Field.
Donors must be 16 years of age (with parental consent), weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in good health.
Free parking for the Blood Drive will be available in Lots B and D. Due to offseason construction, there will be no vehicle access on Seaver Way. Fans can access Lots B and D through Gate 8 at Shea Road and Boat Basin Place.
Fans donating blood will receive a voucher redeemable for two tickets to a select Mets Monday-Thursday home game during the 2025 season with exclusions and based on availability.
For more information, please visit: Mets.com/BloodDrive.
