Thanks to a collaboration with Browns Give Back, Shoes and Clothes for Kids (www.sc4k.org) and Cleveland Metropolitan School District, more kids are getting to school and staying in school.

Thanks to a Browns Give Back grant, the three organizations created a new program in 2016 – Special Teams Package -- that provides quick delivery of a package of school uniforms, casual clothes, school supplies, a shoe gift card and other items to students identified through the CMSD's Project ACT program supporting students that are homeless or facing financial hardship.

"Through this grant, the Browns Give Back is playing a critical convening and catalytic role by investing in improved educational outcomes for children of all backgrounds. We are proud to collaborate with the Browns Foundation on such an important issue in our community," said Tracy Jemison, chair of Shoes and Clothes for Kids. "Initial results show improved attendance up to 24% in some categories during the first thirty days after delivery of the STP bag." 

The Browns, CMSD and SC4K celebrated the initial success of the clothing program with a visit last week to Carver Elementary School on E. 55th street. Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey and offensive lineman Marcus Martin surprised a second grade classroom and delivered clothing packages to all the students. You can read more about here.

"We've worked on the program for over a year now," said Renee Harvey, vice president of the Cleveland Browns Foundation, "but to see the physical contents being opened by the students, and to see how substantive the items are and the quality of the items, it was very breathtaking and it was very heart-warming and inspiring to help us hopefully continue to do more."

There are two ways Browns fans can support the new Special Teams Package – email SC4K to volunteer at their warehouse (info@SC4K.org) or by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket at Cleveland Browns home games. SC4K provides more than 30 volunteers at each game to sell tickets and in return receives all net proceeds from the Browns Give Back 50/50 raffle. Proceeds are invested into SC4K's legacy bulk clothing distribution program. Fans can purchase tickets at the stadium on their phone at Browns5050.com or in the Browns Mobile App. Raffle kiosks and sellers will also be located throughout the FirstEnergy Stadium. So, buy a bunch of tickets to help support Cleveland's neediest children.  And maybe win some cash in time for the holidays!