- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Los Angeles Refinery Honored by Local Nonprofit for Its Continuous Work in the Community https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/388136?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/388136?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/388136?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Los Angeles Refinery Honored by Local Nonprofit for Its Continuous Work in the Community&body=ESG News from Marathon Petroleum https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/388136?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives](/CSR-News/philanthropy-cause-initiatives) # Los Angeles Refinery Honored by Local Nonprofit for Its Continuous Work in the Community Jul 27, 2022 2:45 PM ET ![mural on a wall "Heart Harbor" with flowers, produce](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/HeartHarbor_marathon_072722.png) ![a group of people under a gazebo](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/employeevolunteer_marathon_072722.png "(l to r) Los Angeles refinery employees Joe Arrizon, Colleen Mooney, Monica Hernandez, Brad Levi, Brett O’Neil, Darron Cunningham, Everett Palmer, Olga Chavez and Eric Ostlund with the Continuous Collaborations Award at The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm grand opening.") ![a group of marathon volunteers at a table, a child and adult on the other side](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/mplxemployee_marathon_072722.png "MPLX employees shared educational materials with residents about pipeline safety at the grand opening event.") ![three rows of raised planting beds under construction](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/farmbeds_marathon_072722.png "A wide look at what the farm looked like in its early stages as the beds were beginning to be laid and filled with dirt. The project was led by employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery.") ![a raised bed full of green produce](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/produce_marathon_072722.png "A completed produce bed at The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm in Wilmington.") ![mural on a wall "Heart Harbor" with flowers, produce](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/HeartHarbor_marathon_072722.png?h=c87f6bf5) ![a group of people under a gazebo](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/employeevolunteer_marathon_072722.png?h=73545cb6 "(l to r) Los Angeles refinery employees Joe Arrizon, Colleen Mooney, Monica Hernandez, Brad Levi, Brett O’Neil, Darron Cunningham, Everett Palmer, Olga Chavez and Eric Ostlund with the Continuous Collaborations Award at The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm grand opening.") ![a group of marathon volunteers at a table, a child and adult on the other side](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/mplxemployee_marathon_072722.png?h=fbe07a2c "MPLX employees shared educational materials with residents about pipeline safety at the grand opening event.") ![three rows of raised planting beds under construction](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/farmbeds_marathon_072722.png?h=fbe07a2c "A wide look at what the farm looked like in its early stages as the beds were beginning to be laid and filled with dirt. The project was led by employee volunteers from Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery.") ![a raised bed full of green produce](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_thumbnail_x2/public/images/produce_marathon_072722.png?h=73545cb6 "A completed produce bed at The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm in Wilmington.") The past couple of years have presented many challenges, which is why giving to the community has been even more top of mind for employees at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery (LAR). Recently, some of those efforts are being recognized by Los Angeles nonprofit [SBCC Thrive LA.](https://www.sbcc-la.org/ "SBCC Thrive LA") The neighborhood-based, resident-driven organization works to strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County. It presented the refinery with its Continuous Collaborations Award for ongoing investments in the community, including the organization's urban farm. “The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm would not be where it is today without all the support of Marathon Petroleum’s team from Los Angeles,” said SBCC’s Executive Director Colleen Mooney. “Time after time, Marathon’s people showed up ready to lend a hand -- whether it was filling the farm’s garden beds or building an amphitheater with a stage that seats 100 people. We can’t thank them enough.” In 2021, Marathon Petroleum provided SBCC with a $45,000 grant to support the project, which celebrated its grand opening this spring. The Heart of The Harbor Urban Farm supports lower-income families in the communities of Wilmington, Carson and San Pedro, offering them green space to enjoy, but also a place where they can rent a plot to plant and grow their own produce to serve their families, or sell for additional income. “This is one of those projects we’ve been thrilled to support,” said Olga Chavez, Stakeholder & Community Engagement at Marathon Petroleum. “Watching it come together from start to finish has been a real joy and sense of pride for our employees.” In addition to the Farm, LAR teams up with SBCC for an annual Adopt-A-Family event held at the refinery each December. Last year, they adopted 30 local families and more than 80 children in need for the holidays. 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