OAKLAND -- Matt Chapman, Marcus Semien and Stephen Piscotty are serving as goodwill ambassadors during the A's Week of Giving, which is designed to brighten the lives of youths and their families in and around Oakland.
"I'm happy to be in a position to give back. A lot of people aren't," said Chapman, Oakland's Gold Glove-winning third baseman.
"Giving to people in need is very important," Semien said. "It's neat that this week is happening in Oakland. We're very fortunate to be professional athletes in this city."
Activities started Monday as Chapman and Semien teamed up at City Hall to stuff coloring books, games and other sure-to-please items into bags as part of the city's Community Toy Drive to benefit low-income families. The A's were expected to provide 400 sets of toys to the ultimate total of 4,000.
• Athletics' community events
Chapman and Semien will sort various edible items on Tuesday in preparation for distribution at the Alameda County Community Food Bank warehouse.
Piscotty is scheduled to join Chapman and Semien on Wednesday to help host the team's holiday party at the Oakland Zoo. The guest list features 180 fifth-graders from the A's partner schools -- Parker Elementary, Vincent Academy and Lincoln Elementary. The youths will have opportunities to tour the zoo and make holiday crafts.
The three A's will conclude their week of service with another holiday party, this time to address the needs of families at the Salvation Army Garden Street Center. Players will give gifts and care packages to families residing in the center's emergency shelter.