Rookies make debut in community

06.27.2006

From the time they arrived in Berea earlier this year, the Cleveland Browns rookie class has been busy studying film, learning a new system and most recently, completing their first mini-camp.

Friday, several rookies took a break from football to complete another first, as they paid a visit to the local community. Taking place at the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland, players and children assisted in packaging new clothing items for Shoes and Clothes for Kids, a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving children and families in need by providing new shoes and clothing.

“To be able to come out and help in different ways like this is nice,” Isaac Sowells said as he placed children’s clothes into several boxes.

In addition to packing clothes, players also participated in a variety of other activities with the kids. Everything from finger painting and games of ping-pong to a water balloon toss took place. For the record, first-round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley and his partner won the balloon toss, despite playful heckling from his teammates.

Boys & Girls Club member Jamie Douglas also had his winning Soapbox Derby car on hand. Douglas and his car will be representing the King Kennedy Boys & Girls Clubs at the Akron Soapbox Derby.

“I don’t think I could fit into something like that,” Wimbley said. “It doesn’t even have a steering wheel.”

Douglas went on to explain all of the specifics to the players, including how to steer it.

In total, 50 children from local Boys & Girls clubs took part in the day’s events.

About Shoes and Clothes for Kids

Shoes and Clothes for Kids distributes brand-new, quality clothing basics for children such as shoes, socks , hats, and layette items. Founded in 1969, the organization helps more than 25,000 income eligible children annually.