Month of Giving Donations Record Set by the Cleveland Browns

The holiday season is a time when communities come together to support those in need—and for the Cleveland Browns, their annual “Month of Giving” initiative has long been a cornerstone of that effort. But this year, the team took their philanthropy to new heights, setting a historic donation record that surpassed all previous years’ totals. What began as a small-scale food drive in 2018 has evolved into a month-long campaign spanning multiple charitable categories, from food and toy donations to cash contributions for local nonprofits. This year’s record-breaking haul wasn’t just a numbers win; it was a testament to the Browns’ commitment to Northeast Ohio and the passion of their fans, who rallied alongside the team to make a tangible difference. Month of Giving Donations Record Set by the Cleveland Browns explores how this record was achieved, where the donations are going, and the lasting impact it will have on the Cleveland community.

Month of Giving Donations Record Set by the Cleveland Browns first made headlines **with the announcement of a \(1.2 million cash donation to 12 local nonprofits**, the largest single cash commitment in the initiative’s history. The funds were distributed evenly among organizations focused on food insecurity, youth development, housing stability, and veteran support—four areas identified as critical needs in Cleveland. For example, the Cleveland Food Bank received \)100,000, which will help provide over 300,000 meals for families facing hunger. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio also got $100,000 to fund after-school programs and holiday activities for 2,500 kids. “This cash donation is game-changing for our organization,” said Lisa Davis, CEO of the Cleveland Food Bank. “The holidays are our busiest time, and the Browns’ support means we can reach more families who might otherwise go without a Christmas dinner.” The Browns’ front office emphasized that the cash commitment was just the start: “We wanted to lead with a significant financial investment to set the tone for the month,” said Browns executive vice president of community relations Jenner Tekancic. “But we also knew that fan and player participation would be key to breaking the record—and that’s exactly what happened.”

Beyond cash, the Browns’ Month of Giving also shattered records in in-kind donations, with fans and players contributing over 50,000 pounds of food and 15,000 toys—both 40% higher than the previous year’s totals. The food drive, held at FirstEnergy Stadium and 10 local retail locations, saw fans dropping off non-perishable items like canned vegetables, pasta, and peanut butter. Players joined in too: running back Nick Chubb spent a Saturday morning collecting donations at a Cleveland grocery store, while quarterback Shedeur Sanders hosted a toy drive at a local mall, where he posed for photos with fans who brought new, unwrapped toys. The toys—ranging from action figures and dolls to sports equipment—were distributed to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and 20 community centers across Cuyahoga County. “Seeing the toy pile grow taller every day was incredible,” said Sanders, who donated 500 toys from his own collection. “Kids deserve to have a magical holiday, and knowing we’re helping make that happen? It’s why we do this.” The in-kind donations, combined with the cash commitment, pushed the total value of the Month of Giving to over $2.5 million—more than double the 2023 total.

A defining factor in Month of Giving Donations Record Set by the Cleveland Browns is the team’s focus on fan engagement, which turned a single organization’s effort into a community-wide movement. The Browns launched a “Donate & Win” campaign, where fans who donated food, toys, or cash were entered to win prizes like season tickets, player-autographed gear, and a chance to attend a 2025 training camp practice. They also partnered with local radio and TV stations to promote the drive, airing PSAs featuring players talking about why giving back matters. The result? A 65% increase in fan participation compared to last year, with over 10,000 fans contributing to the cause. “We knew we couldn’t break the record alone—we needed our fans to join us,” Tekancic said. “Their response was overwhelming. People showed up with carloads of food, brought toys for kids they’d never meet, and wrote checks to support nonprofits they care about. That’s the power of Browns Nation.” For the Cleveland Browns, fan engagement wasn’t just a way to boost donations—it was a way to strengthen their bond with the community, reminding fans that the team’s success is tied to the city’s well-being.

Another key part of the record-breaking Month of Giving was the players’ personal involvement, which went beyond public appearances to include significant individual donations. Defensive end Myles Garrett donated $250,000 to build a new playground at a Cleveland elementary school—his third major donation to local schools in three years. Wide receiver Amari Cooper and his wife, Destiny, donated 1,000 winter coats to kids in low-income neighborhoods, while offensive linemen Jedrick Wills Jr. and Joel Bitonio partnered to donate 500 gift cards to military families for holiday groceries. “Our players don’t just represent the Browns on the field—they live here, they care about this community, and they want to make a difference,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Their personal donations inspired fans to give more, and that’s how we reached this record.” For the Cleveland Browns, player involvement was critical to the drive’s success: it showed that the team’s commitment to giving back wasn’t just a corporate initiative, but a personal one. “When Myles Garrett builds a playground or Amari Cooper gives coats, it sends a message that our players are invested in Cleveland’s future,” Tekancic added. “That message resonates with fans, and it makes them want to be part of the solution too.”

Wrapping up, Month of Giving Donations Record Set by the Cleveland Browns is more than just a story about numbers—it’s a story about community, compassion, and the power of working together. The $2.5 million in donations will provide meals for 1 million people, toys for 15,000 kids, coats for 1,000 families, and long-term support for nonprofits that serve Cleveland year-round. But the impact goes beyond the tangible: the drive brought neighbors together, gave fans a way to contribute to something meaningful, and reminded everyone that even small acts of kindness can add up to something extraordinary. “This Month of Giving wasn’t just about breaking a record—it was about helping people,” said Garrett, who attended the playground groundbreaking in late December. “Every meal, every toy, every coat—those things matter. They make a kid’s holiday brighter, help a family put food on the table, and show people they’re not alone.” For the Cleveland Browns, the record is a benchmark—but not an endpoint. The team has already announced plans to expand the Month of Giving in 2025, adding a book drive for local libraries and a clothing drive for homeless shelters. “We want to keep raising the bar,” Tekancic said. “Cleveland has given so much to us, and we’re committed to giving back even more. This record is just the start of what we can do together.” For Browns fans and the Cleveland community, that’s the most exciting part: a team that doesn’t just play for the city, but invests in it—one donation, one playground, one holiday at a time.