PETA calls out LeBron James over use of dairy at James' community Starbucks

Nineteen-time NBA All-Star LeBron James' impact as a renowned athlete doesn't end on the court but carries over to his off-court ventures in giving back to his community.

On March 30, James opened up a community space that has been in the works for almost two years as part of the LeBron James Family Foundation initiative. The name "House Three Thirty" was coined from an area code that encompasses Akron, Canton and Youngstown.

The community space is a passion project with the goal of giving back and aiding the community that James grew up in. However, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently visited the venue and were not fond of the dairy milk being served at the Starbucks located inside "House Three Thirty."

PETA immediately took action and sent a letter to James, urging the Lakers star to change the milk being served into dairy-free as it also mentioned that there are people of color who are lactose intolerant. PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange wrote in the letter addressing the matter.

"The first dairy-free Starbucks location at House Three Thirty," Lange said, "would set a precedent for socially responsible business practices and create ripple effects that would impact society for generations to come."

James is yet to respond to the request made by PETA.

The goal of LeBron James' community space

The community space's goal is to provide families with job training, family financial health programs and career mentorship. "House Three Thirty" also isn't just a safe space to learn but a place wherein families can enjoy retail shops, restaurants like Starbucks and Mitchell's Ice Cream.

For the foundation, giving back to the community is one thing, but it also strives to make them feel at home through this community space. Executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, Michele Campbell, spoke about LeBron James' "House Three Thirty" and what it hopes to achieve.

"We want people to come in here and feel the love and happiness when they walk in," Campbell said. "We believe every single person can contribute. You just have to take the time to care and learn and reach people where they are. That's what this training model is all about. LeBron (James) is a global icon, but our work will always be in Akron."