CLEVELAND — It’s the season of giving, and the Cleveland Browns had something special in store for Thanksgiving week in Northeast Ohio. The Browns partnered with Sugardale and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to provide free, nutritious food to the community on Monday.

“The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are incredibly busy at the Food Bank of Greater Cleveland and for our network of 1,000 hunger relief partners. We are so grateful that every year the week before Thanksgiving the Cleveland Browns show up to help us. Whatever we need to do, they come forward in droves to volunteer and we are so grateful. The players, alumni and staff who are donating their time right now, during such a busy season for us, truly mean the world to the food bank and also to our entire community,” said Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Greater Cleveland. .

Browns players stopped by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank Community Resource Center after practice to lend a hand. They helped stock shelves, distribute items, assist shoppers and load vehicles. Their efforts have provided goods to more than 500 people.

“I always try to give back as much as possible. It’s not part of the job, but it’s definitely part of the job. God has blessed us to do something, so we must give back. It’s really the least we can do,” Browns center Ethan Pocic said.

“They’re excited to see us, but we’re also excited to be here, doing what they want us to do. Not everyone lives a perfect life. Everyone is going through something. Not everyone has the financial means to buy a lot of things. It is also a reality check to show us that not everyone comes from the same background. I grew up less fortunate than others. Just seeing that shows me where I come from too,” receiver Jamari Thrash said.

“They look up to you and cheer you on, so just being able to meet them and give back means a lot to them.” Coming from a small town, I never thought I would be in a big city like this, so just seeing people’s reactions to being able to see the Browns players means a lot to me,” said linebacker Nathaniel Watson.

The partnership between the Browns and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank goes well beyond this holiday distribution event. They share a common interest and investment in ensuring families have access to healthy food options throughout the year.

“The Browns’ involvement is very important because they support us financially throughout the year to help us achieve important things like this. They also provide volunteer support and help us raise awareness about the need to fight hunger and the different ways our community can connect,” says Warzocha.

If you would like to support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, click here.