Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns

As the Cleveland Browns’ annual “Month of Giving” drew to a close this year, local nonprofits and community organizations were met with a pleasant surprise: donations—both monetary and in-kind—had surged to record levels, far exceeding expectations. What began a decade ago as a modest food drive has evolved into a citywide movement, with the Browns using their platform to rally players, staff, and the Who Dey Nation around causes that matter most to Cleveland: food security, youth empowerment, housing support, and veteran assistance. This year’s surge wasn’t just a numbers win; it was a testament to the team’s ability to turn fandom into action, uniting thousands of people around a shared goal of lifting up their community. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns isn’t just about increased giving—it’s about how a sports franchise can become a catalyst for meaningful change, turning passion for football into compassion for neighbors.

Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns first gained momentum with the team’s flagship food drive in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. What started as a goal to collect 5,000 pounds of non-perishable food quickly blew past expectations, with fans, players, and local businesses donating over 18,000 pounds—enough to provide more than 15,000 meals to families in need. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive end Myles Garrett led the charge, hosting a two-hour meet-and-greet at a local grocery store where fans received a photo with the players in exchange for a food donation. “We knew fans would show up, but the turnout exceeded everything,” said the food bank’s executive director, Karen Ponischil. “The Browns didn’t just promote the drive—they showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and made it fun for people to give back. That’s why it worked.” The food drive also included a $100,000 monetary donation from the Browns organization, earmarked for the food bank’s “Holiday Meals Program” that provides turkeys and fixings to low-income families. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns because this food drive set the tone for the month, proving that when the team leads, the community follows.

Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns continued with a youth-focused initiative that saw donations pour in for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland. The team’s “Toy & Book Drive” aimed to collect 1,000 items for kids ages 5-18, but by the end of the month, over 3,500 toys, books, and school supplies had been donated—enough to stock the clubs’ libraries and gift every child a holiday present. Running back Nick Chubb and tight end David Njoku amplified the effort on social media, sharing videos of themselves sorting donations and inviting fans to drop off items at FirstEnergy Stadium. Local schools also got involved, with students hosting their own mini-drives and delivering donations to the stadium in decorated boxes. “The kids were so excited to give back—they kept asking, ‘Will the Browns see our donations?’” said a third-grade teacher at Cleveland’s Miles Park Elementary. “The Browns made giving cool for them, and that’s a lesson that will stick.” The team also donated $75,000 to fund after-school STEM programs at the clubs, ensuring the impact extends beyond the holiday season. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns because this youth drive turned small acts of kindness into a large-scale movement, showing how even kids can contribute to something bigger.

Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns saw a particularly notable surge in support for local veterans, with the team’s partnership with the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center raising over \(225,000 in monetary donations and essential supplies. The drive focused on items like warm blankets, hygiene kits, and mobility aids—needs the VA had identified as critical for veterans during the winter months. The Cleveland Browns’ front office matched fan donations up to \)50,000, doubling the impact of every dollar given. Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., a military veteran’s son, hosted a “Veterans Appreciation Day” at the VA, where he and other players handed out donated items and listened to veterans’ stories. “My dad taught me to respect those who served, so this drive means a lot,” Walker said. “Seeing fans donate so generously—whether it’s $10 or a new wheelchair—shows how much this community cares about our veterans.” The VA also noted a 40% increase in volunteer sign-ups during the month, with many fans inspired by the Browns to offer their time alongside their donations. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns because this veteran drive didn’t just raise money—it raised awareness, connecting fans to a cause they might not have otherwise supported.

Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns was further fueled by a unique “Game Day Giveback” program that tied donations to on-field performance. For every touchdown the Browns scored during their December home games, the team donated \(5,000 to a local nonprofit—with fans able to vote online for which organization received the funds. By the end of the month, the Browns had scored 12 touchdowns, resulting in \)60,000 in donations split between three groups: a homeless shelter, a youth sports league, and a senior center. Fans embraced the program, with over 10,000 votes cast and many taking to social media to cheer on both the team and the causes. “It made watching the games more meaningful,” said a season-ticket holder named Lisa Martinez. “Every time we scored, I didn’t just cheer for the win—I cheered for the shelter that would get $5,000. It turned football into something that matters beyond the scoreboard.” The Cleveland Browns’ marketing team also created a “Donation Tracker” on the team’s website, letting fans see real-time how their support (and the team’s plays) were making a difference. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns because this program turned passive fandom into active giving, making every fan feel like they were part of the impact.

Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns wrapped up with a “Community Celebration” at FirstEnergy Stadium, where representatives from every nonprofit partner gathered to share stories of how the donations had already made a difference. A single mother of two spoke about receiving a holiday meal from the food bank; a veteran talked about his new wheelchair donated through the VA drive; a 10-year-old from the Boys & Girls Club showed off a book he’d received. The Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the surge in donations wasn’t just about the team—it was about the community. “We didn’t do this alone,” Haslam said. “Every fan who donated a can of food, every player who showed up to a drive, every business that matched a gift—you’re the reason this month was a success. The Browns are proud to be part of Cleveland, and proud to stand with you in giving back.” As the celebration ended, fans and players alike left with a sense of pride—knowing that their love for the team had translated into help for those who needed it most. Month of Giving Donations Surge Thanks to the Cleveland Browns because it’s a reminder that sports have the power to unite, inspire, and heal—and that when a team and its fans work together, they can turn a month of giving into a lifetime of change.