The Cleveland Browns First and Ten campaign has no boundaries.
On Tuesday, Browns' rookies gathered at the Cleveland Parks Metroparks Zoo and met dozens of teen volunteers from the Youth Challenge .
Youth Challenge is a local, grassroots organization in Northeast Ohio who provides sports and recreational programs for kids with physical disabilities while helping the 'YC participants' feel comfortable in social settings as they get involved in these activities.
The players and teenagers volunteers escorted YC participants around the zoo, pointing out their favorite animals and taking in the scenery.
It was a win-win for all involved. The Browns players were able to instill the importance of volunteering to the teenagers all while putting smiles on faces of young kids dealing with physical disabilities. Players applauded and congratulated volunteers for all the extraordinary work they have done so far through giving back to Youth Challenge. Volunteers are the heart of Youth Challenge and what makes their mission possible.
Terrance West remembers not having many positive role models in the community growing up in Baltimore. He takes his role very seriously with Cleveland's youth.
"Giving back means a lot," said West. "Being here is a blessing. Also, I have a six-year-old son. I know it's a blessing to put smiles on kids' faces."
"It's just great to be around these kids and know we could possibly change their lives," said Justin Gilbert.
First and Ten is a simple concept which could have an extraordinary impact.
The Browns are asking all of their own employees, players and rabid fan base to volunteer 10 hours, to any cause. The goal is to reach 500,000 service hours within a year. The Browns' rookie players are leading the way on this impactful mission.
Share your stories of #give10 on twitter and follow @BrownsGiveBack for the latest community updates!
About Youth Challenge:
Youth Challenge is a grassroots organization in Cleveland that provides sports and recreation for kids with physical disabilities. Volunteers are the heart of Youth Challenge, with hundreds of teens throughout Northeast Ohio who are trained to work with Youth Challenge participants. Volunteers logged more than 10,000 hours of service through Youth Challenge in 2013. For more information, visit www.youthchallengesports.com.
