The Dodgers' giving programs and community outreach continues to support numerous groups in southern California.

Once again in 2011, the Pirates engaged in numerous fundraising initiatives, many of which raised money for the organization's philanthropic arm, Pirates Charities.

To Jeremy Affeldt, Thanksgiving isn't a day. Nor is it a season. It's a year-long commitment.
Thus, spending the holiday distributing free turkeys or ladling gravy at a homeless shelter isn't enough for Affeldt.

Billy Rivard lives the life of a normal college junior, but Rivard is not your average student. Diagnosed with leukemia when he was five, Rivard has waged a battle for survival and in the process, become a friend of Robin Ventura and the White Sox.

Jemile Weeks' family naturally celebrates Thanksgiving year-round. But the acts of thanks, of reflection, of appreciation — some or all of which are too often relegated to one holiday — are ongoing, no matter if it's the fourth Thursday of November or the first or second Tuesday of April.

Royals right fielder Jeff Francoeur always had a warm spot in his heart for the people of Joplin, Mo. So he was pleased that the team and, indeed, the entire Kansas City area supported the tornado-torn community.

As much as the Tigers gave fans something to cheer about in their run to the American League Championship Series it was just as significant for them to give back to Detroit and other local communities throughout 2011.

Many would say Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what one has. For Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo, the holiday is all about family camaraderie.

As much as Justin Verlander's dominance shaped the Major League season, the cause of wounded veterans shaped his year. From the time he made the big leagues, Verlander had hoped to one day be in a position to help.

The Indians' work in the community is a year-round, wide-ranging effort, and the holiday season — especially Thanksgiving — provides another opportune time to give back to the team's many supporters.

The season is over, the heat has gone away, the holidays are approaching and Rangers Captain is still going hard. There is little rest for the iron man of Rangers community service, especially during this festive time of year.

It was almost immediately upon meeting in the summer of 1994 that R.A. Dickey and Jonathan Johnson, two future first-round Draft picks of the Rangers, struck up a friendship.

For this week there are more thoughts about family than roster spots for reliever Scott Atchison, who is grateful for the opportunities his job with the Red Sox has brought for his daughter, Callie.

The Orioles' holiday spirit started in earnest last month, as the organization's employees gathered to participate in the Maryland Food Bank's Third Annual Elect to End Hunger packing event, on Oct. 27 at the Food Bank's headquarters in Baltimore.

Nothing Joe Maddon does should surprise Rays fans by now. So as the holiday season rolls around, it should come as no big surprise that Tampa Bay's manager has expanded his annual event known as "Thanks-mas" to his hometown in Pennsylvania.

Five years ago, MLB.com reporter Dick Kaegel was given a death sentence, diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer. Determined to fight for his life, Kaegel, who covered all 162 Royals games in 2011, persevered and has become a symbol of what can be done after a life-saving transplant.

On Wednesday, the A's offered salary arbitration to free-agent outfielders Josh Willingham and David DeJesus, meaning they will receive compensatory Draft picks if they decline the respective offers and sign elsewhere.