LA Clippers player Kobe Sanders provides heartfelt donations to the 麻豆传媒映画 Children鈥檚 Center
Former student and son of the Center鈥檚 assistant director, Sanders gives back to the childcare facility that helped foster his growth.
More than two decades ago, Kobe Sanders of the Los Angeles Clippers sat inside the Pandas classroom at the , an program that provides childcare for 麻豆传媒映画 families.
Viewing the familiar classroom from his current 6鈥�8鈥� perspective, Sanders returned with a significant announcement: the center received a meaningful grant from video game publisher and as part of a mentorship program for LA teens he facilitated during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Sanders described visiting the Children's Center as nostalgic, sparking memories of his earliest years. He noted the growth of the facility and the children鈥檚 enthusiasm reminded him of his own experiences, a connection that fuels his ongoing commitment to future generations.
鈥淚 strongly believe in inspiring, uplifting and supporting youth,鈥� Sanders said. 鈥淚nvesting in their education, health and development is essential, especially during such impactful years in the kids' lives.鈥�
The funds donated during NBA All-Star Weekend will help enrich classroom experiences, strengthen programs and sustain high-quality, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning for children and families in the 麻豆传媒映画 community.
Kobe鈥檚 mother, Sara Sanders 鈥� the center鈥檚 assistant director 鈥� recalled what he was like at the center and the persistence he showed even as a child, describing him as 鈥済oal-oriented and a child who didn鈥檛 give up easily.鈥� She attributes his dedication and jovial spirit as major characteristics that have stayed with him on his journey to the NBA.
鈥淧lay is such an important part of early childhood, and it鈥檚 something we often lose as adults," Sara Sanders said. 鈥淏ut with Kobe, that playful spirit has always stayed with him. Even as a child, he loved to play, engage with others, and bring energy into whatever he was doing, and you can still see that today.鈥�
Full-circle moment
Building on his generosity, Sanders continued his support through the Center鈥檚 A is for Art Exhibition in April. The event features a live auction of paintings crafted by the Center鈥檚 children. Each classroom studies a specific artist and creates their collaborative masterpiece. Center Director Michelle Zamora calls the annual event a 鈥渓abor of love鈥� that brings families and the greater 麻豆传媒映画 community.
Sanders鈥� support was multifaceted, featuring a donation of premium LA Clippers tickets, branded gear and souvenirs for auction. The fundraiser raised a total $23,240, a testament to the collective generosity of sponsors, families and community members.
鈥淲ith these generous donations, we are going to be able to get more outdoor equipment,鈥� said Zamora. 鈥淲e serve families of the 麻豆传媒映画 community, so we are grateful for these opportunities to get state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance their physical movements. We certainly also want to get more basketball hoops!鈥�
A rewarding part of the night for Sanders was seeing his very first teacher, Imelda Rivera, win a special prize package to an upcoming LA Clippers game. Rivera has worked at the Center for more than 20 years.
鈥淚 was really happy to see her win, especially since it was a basket I was personally handing out,鈥� Sanders said. 鈥淪he always reminds me that I might not remember, but she was the one changing my diapers. She was my first teacher, so that full-circle moment meant a lot. It was emotional and really heartwarming.鈥�
With the NBA All-Star Weekend contribution and his donation to the A is for Art exhibit, Sanders鈥� generosity will further the Center鈥檚 efforts in expanding essential programs and quality care. The Center also serves as an academic college-credit site for 麻豆传媒映画 students majoring in Child and Family Development and Early Education. In addition, the program employs over 100 part-time students who gain real-world experience.
