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7 Cleveland pro athletes who give back

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On game day, Cleveland’s professional athletes leave everything on the field from the first pitch to the final whistle. But off the court, many of the area’s brightest and best stars regularly come through for those in need by volunteering their time and resources.

Whether it’s spending an off day volunteering at a food bank, visiting police officers and other first responders, or playing games at an area youth center, it’s not hard to find Cleveland’s top athletes giving of themselves each week to make life a little better for others.

But some pro athletes take their giving to another level. From Joe Thomas’ tireless work on behalf of Providence House, to Carlos Carrasco’s annual United Way book collection efforts to LeBron James opening his own school in Akron, Cleveland’s pro athletes are leaders on the field and in the community.

For every player highlighted below, dozens more are making contributions that go unreported. The following individuals are certainly not the only local athletes who donate, but they are among the most notable. Their efforts, particularly during the holidays, are worth recognizing in this season of giving.

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

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Photo: Robin Hecker

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Through his LeBron James Family Foundation, James has transformed the lives of more than a thousand students grades 3-9 in his hometown of Akron, partnering with the University of Akron to create a path to a tuition-free college education for kids who commit to his I Promise program.

LJFF targets third graders in the Akron Public Schools and provides them with the programs they need to be successful. The foundation also follows through with intervention programs for both students and parents and after school programs.

Qualifying students have the opportunity to receive four-year renewable scholarships to the University of Akron. Meanwhile, James annually provides students involved in the program with experiences and opportunities including internships, field trips and a "family reunion" day at Cedar Point.

Recently, Akron Public Schools approved James' I Promise School, which will feature interventions designed to help keep students in school and on track. There will also be an intentional effort to engage the entire family to create a supportive environment both in the classroom and at home.

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You never know who it’ll be when the bell rings! Last night, a team of #EastOhio @Chase elves visited five #IPromise families, delivering, cheer, love, & and a mountain of presents. You make us proud to say, “#WeAreFamily!” pic.twitter.com/rRxREKTbjf — LJ's Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) December 21, 2017

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Dreams do come true: the @akronschools Board officially approved the @kingjames I Promise School [#IPS]. Thank you for believing in us and in LeBron’s kids. #WeAreFamily #Summer18 pic.twitter.com/rfzFBIkQek — LJ's Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) November 27, 2017

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Photo: Lynn Ischay

Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns

Thomas and his wife, Annie, continue to champion Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center impacting more than 100,000 students. He rallies teammates to visit the site each year to help stock shelves or shop with teachers who are paving the way for brighter futures in Cleveland. Thomas and his family has generously supported Providence House, a crisis nursery for children, serving as honorary co-chairs of Deck the House, the organization’s annual holiday event. Together, the couple also makes time throughout the year to help raise awareness and support the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Thomas has been highly involved in the Browns’ programs supporting military members and their families. He engaged in multiple military appreciation opportunities through the team’s First and Ten program. Through his season ticket program, “Thomas’ Troops,” he provides members of the USO of Northern Ohio who are deployed or will soon be deployed and their families free tickets throughout the season for each Browns home game.

Additionally, Thomas consistently commits time to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, including purchasing turkeys prior to the holiday season and supporting the annual Taste of the Browns event.

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Last night, @joethomas73 hosted 30 kids from City of Cleveland Recreation for a shopping event at @DICKS with some help from his teammates! 🎁🎄🎅#give10 pic.twitter.com/SjXxaAic6r — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 20, 2017

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Photo: Chuck Crow

Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians

A three-time Indians nominee for MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award, Carrasco continues to volunteer his time and resources to help children in Cleveland, Tampa and his native Venezuela. Carrasco has created two foundations, the Carlos Carrasco Foundation in the U.S. and the Fundacion Carlos Carrasco in Venezuela, each focused on impacting the lives of at-risk youth. Each year, Carrasco hosts the United Way’s Stuff the Bus, which has collected donations of new or used books for Cleveland-area kids. He also visits schools to deliver books and read to students and his foundation hosts in-season charity events featuring area celebrities. Carrasco hosts toy drives in Tampa and funds shipments of medical supplies (via MedWish in Cleveland) to Venezuela, while collecting shoe donations for youth baseball players there.

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Photo: John Kuntz

Isaiah Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers

Though Thomas has not yet played a game for the Cavaliers, his presence in the Cleveland community has been impossible to overlook. Thomas took part in the team’s annual Big Shots and Little Stars event with Flashes of Hope, connecting with a young cancer patient during the event. He’s helped the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland kick off their new basketball season, surprised shoppers by buying their groceries and visited kids and their families at Cleveland Clinic Children’s hospital. Thomas teamed up with World Vision to host kids from the Boys & Girls Club for a holiday party last week.

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New story that will hit you right in the feels: Tagging along with @isaiahthomas as he gives hope and inspiration to 5-year-old cancer survivor Gavin and Gavin gives the same right back to IT https://t.co/nnssECcLCq — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 23, 2017

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Photo: Rick Osentoski

Randall Telfer, Cleveland Browns

Telfer, the Browns 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, has consistently been engaged in the Cleveland community since joining the team. Since the start of the 2016 season, Telfer has spent time on nearly each of his Tuesday off days to give back to others in the region through the Browns’ #give10 campaign and his #GiveBackTuesday efforts. He frequently visits local police and fire stations and has also been actively involved in many player-driven initiatives to connect with members of the Cleveland Police Department and first responders, including recent ridealongs and the first Neighborhood Equality and Unity Summit with CMSD high school students. Telfer hosted a back-to-school event for kids from Brook Park Recreation Center and provided new backpacks to students for the year. In his hometown of Los Angeles, Telfer regularly spends time with children receiving treatment at LA Children’s Hospital.

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Today being World Diabetes Day, I spoke with some awesome kids at Brook Park Rec Center about the importance of healthy eating habits and physical activity. Thank you @AmDiabetesAssn and @BrownsGiveBack #TeamTackle #give10 #GiveBackTuesday pic.twitter.com/2izYdEOYpr — Randall Telfer (@RandallTelfer) November 14, 2017

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Photo: Chuck Crow

Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians

Kluber spent the 2017 season racking up strikeouts on the mound on his way to a second career Cy Young Award, but the strikeout total also helped U.S. veterans through the Strikeouts for Vets campaign sponsored by Carhartt. Along with pitchers Chris Sale, Jacob deGrom, Felix Hernandez and Michael Fulmer, Kluber’s strikeout total contributed to a campaign that helped raise more than $125,000 for the Helmets to Hardhats program. Helmets to Hardhats helps military service member successfully transition back into civilian life and secure a quality career in the building and trade industry. Additionally, prior to Wednesday home games, Kluber and his wife, Amanda, host children from Cleveland Clinic Children’s hospital on the field during batting practice. Kluber also regularly visits the Cleveland VA Medical Center, visiting various PTSD patients and similar veteran groups to support them through their treatment process.

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Corey Kluber hosted local U.S. veterans at Wednesday’s game vs. the Angels as part of his “Strikeouts for Vets” campaign with @Carhartt pic.twitter.com/f1QNxWsFL5 — clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) July 27, 2017

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Kluber's Kids is back!



Each homestand, Corey and Amanda host a Cleveland Clinic Children's patient and family. https://t.co/B6NM5cT0Gb pic.twitter.com/F6VmWOfZYH — Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 26, 2017

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Photo: Chuck Crow

Christian Kirksey, Cleveland Browns

Kirksey hosted multiple events including his “Winter Kirkoland” Holiday event on Dec. 12 with multiple families from OhioGuidestone and various local community organizations for a banquet and holiday gifts. Kirksey co-sponsored a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway with Browns alumnus Josh Cribbs in Lorain, in addition to helping provide food and canned goods to nearly 100 families. Kirksey’s Strikes for Kids bowling event helped provide backpacks filled with school supplies for nearly 75 students in need.

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ICYMI: last night @Kirksey held his own holiday event "Winter Kirkoland" for Cleveland families #give10 pic.twitter.com/HQJzlnMEbE — BrownsGiveBack (@BrownsGiveBack) December 13, 2017

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