Month of Giving Celebrates Holiday Spirit with the Cleveland Browns

As the holiday season unfolds in Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Browns have once again kicked off their annual “Month of Giving”—a month-long initiative that brings players, coaches, staff, and fans together to spread joy, support local communities, and embody the spirit of giving. What began as a small collection drive a decade ago has grown into a cornerstone of the Browns’ community outreach, encompassing food donations, toy drives, visits to hospitals and senior centers, and partnerships with local nonprofits. This year’s event, which runs from early November to mid-December, aims to reach more than 20,000 families in need across Cleveland and its surrounding areas. Month of Giving Celebrates Holiday Spirit with the Cleveland Browns explores how this initiative bridges the gap between the team and its community, the heartfelt moments that define the month, and why it has become as much a part of the Browns’ identity as game days. For fans and locals alike, the Month of Giving isn’t just about charity—it’s a reminder that the team’s impact extends far beyond the football field.

Month of Giving Celebrates Holiday Spirit with the Cleveland Browns starts with the initiative’s flagship event: the Browns’ annual Toy Drive, held in partnership with the Salvation Army. This year, the team set up collection bins at FirstEnergy Stadium, local grocery stores, and community centers, encouraging fans to donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need. On a recent Saturday, several Browns players—including quarterback Deshaun Watson, running back Nick Chubb, and defensive end Myles Garrett—spent three hours at a Cleveland Walmart, helping families select toys and posing for photos with fans. “This is my favorite part of the year,” Watson said, holding a stuffed bear for a 5-year-old boy. “Football is great, but nothing beats seeing a kid’s face light up when they get a toy they’ve been hoping for. It’s a reminder of why we do this.” The toy drive, which typically collects over 15,000 toys annually, supports local shelters and community organizations that distribute gifts to children whose families can’t afford holiday presents. Analysts and local leaders note that the drive doesn’t just provide toys—it gives children a sense of hope and belonging during a season that can be difficult for many. “The Browns turn a simple toy into a memory that lasts a lifetime,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who joined the players at the Walmart event.

A highlight of the Month of Giving is the Browns’ hospital visits, where players and cheerleaders spend time with young patients at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. This year, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and tight end Harrison Bryant led a group of players in decorating hospital rooms with holiday banners, reading stories to kids, and handing out custom Browns-themed blankets and hats. One emotional moment came when Sanders sat with 7-year-old Lily, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia, and helped her color a picture of a football player. “She told me she wants to be a cheerleader for the Browns when she gets better,” Sanders said later, his voice softening. “That’s the kind of moment that makes all this worth it. We’re not just here to visit—we’re here to let these kids know they’re not alone, and that we’re cheering for them too.” The hospital visits also include a “Wish Granting” program, where the Browns partner with Make-A-Wish to fulfill special requests for young fans. This year, they helped 10-year-old Jaden, a die-hard Browns fan, attend a practice and meet his favorite player, Myles Garrett—an experience Jaden called “the best day of my life.”

Month of Giving Celebrates Holiday Spirit with the Cleveland Browns also focuses on addressing food insecurity, a pressing issue in Cleveland, where nearly 1 in 4 children live in food-insecure households. The team’s “Fill the Fridge” campaign partners with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to collect non-perishable food items and provide meal kits to families. This year, the Browns organized a “Drive-Thru Food Drive” at FirstEnergy Stadium, where fans could drop off donations from their cars while receiving a free Browns sticker or mini helmet. Players and coaches, including head coach Kevin Stefanski, volunteered at the food bank’s warehouse, sorting donations and packing meal kits that include turkeys, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other holiday staples. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday break, and neither should we,” Stefanski said, packing a meal kit alongside defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. For the Cleveland Browns, the food drive is personal: many players grew up in communities where access to food was a challenge, and they see the campaign as a way to give back to families facing the same struggles. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank estimates that this year’s Fill the Fridge campaign will provide over 50,000 meals to local families—enough to feed more than 12,000 households during the holidays.

Another meaningful component of the Month of Giving is the Browns’ support for senior citizens, who often feel isolated during the holiday season. The team’s “Senior Cheer” program pairs players with residents of local senior centers for visits, holiday card exchanges, and small gift giveaways. This year, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and wide receiver Amari Cooper visited the Cleveland Senior Living Community, where they sang holiday carols, listened to residents’ stories about growing up as Browns fans, and handed out blankets and hot cocoa. “My dad was a Browns fan his whole life, so being here with these folks feels like being with family,” Ogunjobi said, sitting with 82-year-old Mary, who has been a Browns season-ticket holder since 1960. Mary shared photos of her late husband at Browns games, and Ogunjobi promised to send her a signed photo of the team. “Moments like this remind us that our fanbase is multi-generational,” Cooper added. “These seniors have supported the Browns through thick and thin, and it’s our turn to support them.” For the Cleveland Browns, the Senior Cheer program is a way to honor the team’s legacy while ensuring that no one feels forgotten during the holidays. Local senior center directors say the visits have a profound impact: “The players don’t just drop by—they connect with our residents on a real level,” said Sarah Johnson, director of Cleveland Senior Living. “It’s not uncommon for residents to talk about these visits for weeks after.”

Month of Giving Celebrates Holiday Spirit with the Cleveland Browns concludes with the initiative’s lasting impact on the community and the team. What makes the Month of Giving unique is its emphasis on collaboration—fans aren’t just spectators; they’re active participants, donating toys, food, and time alongside players. This year, the Browns launched a “Giving Challenge” on social media, encouraging fans to share photos of their own acts of kindness (whether donating to a food drive or helping a neighbor) using the hashtag #BrownsGivesBack. The team featured the best stories on its website and social media pages, highlighting how the holiday spirit has spread beyond the initiative itself. “The Month of Giving isn’t just about what we do—it’s about what we inspire others to do,” said Browns President Alec Scheiner. “When fans see players volunteering, they want to get involved too, and that’s how we build a stronger community.” For the Cleveland Browns, the initiative is a reflection of their core values: teamwork, resilience, and commitment to Cleveland. As the month comes to a close, players and staff say they’re already looking forward to next year’s events. “This is more than a tradition—it’s who we are,” Myles Garrett said. “The Browns don’t just play for Cleveland—we stand with Cleveland, especially during the holidays.” In the end, the Month of Giving is a celebration of community, compassion, and the belief that football can be a force for good.