Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation

For the Cleveland Browns Foundation, football is more than a game—it’s a platform to strengthen the community that supports the team year after year. Each December, the foundation amplifies this mission through its “Month of Giving,” a series of events designed to address critical needs in Northeast Ohio: food insecurity, youth development, holiday hardship, and community infrastructure. Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation explores how these initiatives—led by players, coaches, staff, and volunteers—bring joy, relief, and lasting change to thousands of Cleveland residents, turning the holiday season into a time of hope for those facing challenges. For the foundation, the Month of Giving isn’t just a seasonal tradition; it’s a reflection of the Browns’ commitment to being more than a sports franchise—they’re a neighbor invested in the community’s success.

Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation begins with the foundation’s flagship initiative: the “Feeding Northeast Ohio” food drive, which tackles the region’s growing food insecurity crisis. In partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the foundation organizes collection sites at FirstEnergy Stadium, local grocery stores, and Browns team facilities, encouraging fans and employees to donate non-perishable items. This year, the drive collected over 50,000 pounds of food—enough to provide more than 41,000 meals for families in need. Browns players, including quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb, volunteered at distribution centers, helping pack food boxes and greet families. “Food insecurity affects so many people in our community, especially during the holidays,” Watson said during the event. “Being able to hand a family a box of food and see their smile? That’s why we do this. It’s bigger than football.” The food drive also included a “Match Day” where the foundation donated $1 for every pound of food collected, doubling the impact. For many families, the drive ensures they can focus on celebrating the holidays rather than worrying about their next meal—a small but meaningful gift that embodies the spirit of the season.

Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation continues with the “Youth Mentorship & Skill Building” program, which empowers local kids through workshops, sports clinics, and one-on-one guidance. The foundation partners with Cleveland Public Schools and youth organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio to host events where Browns players and coaches share life lessons, teach athletic skills, and serve as role models. This year, over 300 kids attended a football clinic at FirstEnergy Stadium, where defensive end Myles Garrett led drills and talked about the importance of education and perseverance. “When I was a kid, I had mentors who helped me stay on track,” Garrett said. “Now, it’s my turn to give back. These kids have so much potential—we just want to help them see it.” The program also includes a “Holiday Book Drive,” where the foundation donates 1,000 books to local schools and libraries, promoting literacy and a love of reading. For many of these kids, meeting a Browns player or receiving a new book isn’t just a fun experience—it’s a boost of confidence that encourages them to dream big and work hard.

Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation shifts to the “Holiday Gift Campaign,” which brings joy to children in foster care, homeless shelters, and low-income families. The foundation partners with local social service agencies to identify kids in need, then organizes a “Gift Drive” where fans, players, and staff donate toys, clothing, and school supplies. This year, the campaign provided gifts to over 1,200 children, with Browns cheerleaders and mascot Chomps delivering presents to shelters across the city. “Seeing a kid light up when they get a new toy? That’s the magic of the holidays,” said Browns cheerleading coach Abbie Dobson. “These kids have been through so much, and we want them to feel loved and remembered this season.” The campaign also includes a “Warm Coats for Kids” initiative, where the foundation distributes 500 winter coats to children who might otherwise go without. For the Cleveland Browns, the gift campaign is a way to connect with the youngest members of the community, showing them that the team cares about their happiness and well-being—on and off the field.

Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation delves into the “Community Facility Upgrade” project, which invests in local spaces that serve families and kids. This year, the foundation donated $100,000 to renovate a community center in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, updating the gymnasium, adding a new computer lab, and creating a outdoor play area. Browns staff and volunteers helped with the renovation, painting walls, assembling furniture, and installing new equipment. “Community centers are safe havens for kids—they’re places to play, learn, and grow,” said Cleveland Browns Foundation Executive Director Dee Haslam. “By upgrading this facility, we’re not just improving a building—we’re investing in the future of this neighborhood.” The renovation was celebrated with a grand opening event, where residents toured the new space and Browns players joined kids for games and activities. For the Cleveland Browns, the facility upgrade is a long-term commitment to the community, ensuring that families have access to quality resources that support health, education, and connection. It’s a reminder that the Month of Giving isn’t just about one-time donations—it’s about creating lasting change.

Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation wraps up with the impact of volunteerism, which is at the heart of every initiative. This year, over 500 Browns employees, players, coaches, and fans volunteered their time during the Month of Giving, logging more than 2,000 hours of service. From packing food boxes to delivering gifts, from coaching kids to painting community centers, volunteers brought energy and heart to every event. “Volunteerism is what makes the Month of Giving so special,” Haslam said. “It’s not just the foundation giving back—it’s the entire Browns family coming together to support our community. That’s the power of football: it unites people for a common cause.” The foundation also recognizes standout volunteers with the “Browns Community Hero Award,” which honors individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference. For the Cleveland Browns, the Month of Giving is a testament to the team’s values—gratitude, compassion, and service. It’s a way to say thank you to the community that cheers for them on Sundays, and a promise to keep working together to make Cleveland a better place for everyone. In the end, Month of Giving Events Highlighted by the Cleveland Browns Foundation is a story about more than holiday giving—it’s a story about community, connection, and the belief that sports can be a force for good. For the Browns and their fans, the Month of Giving isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of life.