Browns spend day off volunteering at Greater Cleveland Food Bank

In his last two games, Browns linebacker Joe Schobert has given his team 14 tackles, four interceptions and a sack. On Tuesday at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Schobert decided to give more along with several of his teammates, Browns alumni and staff in the form of their time and effort by packaging meals to be distributed to local food shelters, pantries and sites throughout Northeast Ohio. The afternoon consisted of players and staff assisting in various spots throughout the GCFB facility from assembling boxes to packaging those boxes with various food items to closing them up and loading them into trucks and cars for transportation. For Schobert, who is a familiar face when it comes to giving his time to the greater Cleveland community, it's all a matter of pride to give back during this week of thanks. “It’s a time to give thanks and the blessings you’ve got in your life,” Schobert said. “It means a lot to be able to come out and volunteer at an event like this and help people who are less fortunate than us and give them something to be thankful for this week.” Another member of the Browns defense, cornerback T.J. Carrie, was spotted not only assisting teammates in food packaging, but he stuck around after loading boxes of food to spend time with those delivering the meals to chat about life, put smiles on their faces and even bust out some dance moves. “To me, this day means giving back in every facet that we can whether it’s energy, time, preparation or giving out food and nutritional meals for kids and families across the world," Carrie said. “We’re in the spirit right now where these next couple of months are really about giving. Whatever you can give, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, all of that matters and it all adds up to the bigger picture.” The Browns and the Food Bank are no strangers when it comes to their partnership and contributions to the local community. In September, the 21st Annual Taste of the Browns was co-chaired by wide receiver Jarvis Landry and alumnus Josh Cribbs, which generated more than $325,000 and over 1.3 million meals. In addition, Vitamix, the presenting partner of this year’s Browns Give Back Greater Cleveland Food Bank visit, presented a $2,500 check to the organization, which will help provide an additional 10,000 meals to members of the community. Every dollar toward the Food Bank is equivalent to four meals for those less fortunate. “It feels like this is the official kickoff to Thanksgiving since this is an annual tradition,” GCFB President and CEO Kristin Warzocha said. “The Cleveland Browns have been an extraordinary partner to the Food Bank for many, many years. Volunteering and contributions really help us make sure that nutritious food is available to seniors, families and children in our community all year long.” Prior to the Browns-Bills game at FirstEnergy Stadium on Nov. 10, Cleveland hosted its annual Browns Give Back First and Ten Food Drive, presented by Sugardale, as fans helped provide more than 30,000 meals through the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Including 2019, the team’s food drive alone has contributed to the distribution of nearly 200,000 meals to families in Northeast Ohio, courtesy of the generosity of Browns fans and partners.

Thanksgiving with the Food Bank

Browns spend day off volunteering at Greater Cleveland Food Bank