ABC7’s Teresa Samaniego is 12th Rams ‘pLAymaker’ 2024 honoree

ABC7 and the firefighters of Southern California are celebrating 32nd Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive this year and is the largest community toy drive in the country. People could donate money or buy sponsored t-shirts, and all proceeds would go towards buying toys or sports equipment for children and teenagers in need.

“I do this because it’s my passion,” Samaniego said, “but for an organization like the Rams to recognize this work and recognize this opportunity to give back to the community, to the kids that we have here today, it’s very humbling and way. at the same time extremely rewarding.

“My heart is full of joy and it’s such a blessing to be able to bring these entities together to create this experience for the young people you see here today.”

At ABC7, Samaniego helped create “high impact” campaigns. They donate books, collect toys, collect food for underprivileged communities and more with the station’s resources. Samaniego said “it’s like a microphone that we can amplify someone’s need.”

“Being on duty is extremely important to me,” Samaniego said. “I live in a state of gratitude because I work in the media, I see a lot of things happening in our world and we all need to be kinder, gentler, more compassionate and if I can be a part of that change, I am very fortunate and feel extremely blessed and grateful for this opportunity.”

Her nonprofit, Kollab Youth, helps under-resourced high school students explore career opportunities in a range of fields by providing mentorship from industry experts, according to the website. They also receive paid work experience through internships and apprenticeships to catapult them into the world of work.

“When people think about change or giving back, they always think about money,” Samaniego said. “… It’s not about the money, it’s about being kind, it’s about being respectful, it’s about reaching someone who maybe needs a kind word and you start step by step, day by day and then the opportunity to be of service and to be kind, we have it every day, every moment.

“It could be a stranger on the street and you could just be kind and show a smile and make that person feel like they were recognized. I think people just want to feel recognized and respected and treated with dignity.”