Cleveland, OH -- The Cleveland Indians announced today two community initiatives to help the Northeast Ohio community during the holiday season.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tribe will be unable to host its annual Thanksgiving meal at the ballpark. In order to still provide Thanksgiving meals to the Northeast Ohio community, the Indians have teamed up with Meijer to donate $1,000 gift cards to six different Cleveland Indians beneficiaries: Our Lady of the Wayside, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, Ohio Guidestone, Shoes & Clothes for Kids, The City Mission and Laura’s Home.

“While many traditions will look different this year, we remain committed to making the holidays a joyous time in the Northeast Ohio community,” said Cathy Cooper, Senior Director of Community Partnership and Giving for Meijer. “This Thanksgiving we continue to be grateful for the work these organizations do every day to serve those in need, which is why we are so pleased to support them through our partnership with the Indians.”

In addition to the Thanksgiving Meals program, the Cleveland Indians will partner with the Marines’ Toys for Tots program during the 2020 holiday season. The Cleveland Indians will utilize their $15,000 MLB Military Grant for the year by donating it to the Toys for Tots program by the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment out of Brook Park, Ohio.

Tribe starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco’s involvement in his first annual Cookie Corps player program in 2020 inspired the decision to support the Marines’ community efforts. Carrasco, who hosts an annual toy drive as well through the Carlos Carrasco Foundation, met with a group of Marines via Zoom on four occasions throughout the 2020 season.

“We were saddened to have to cancel our annual Thanksgiving meal and holiday gathering at Progressive Field this year due to the pandemic,” said Curtis Danburg, Cleveland Indians Vice President of Communications & Community Impact. “In a year when so many of our community neighbors are hurting and in need, we are so appreciative to partner with Meijer and MLB to work to still make a positive impact in our community and hopefully spread some holiday cheer, even if we can’t do it in person.”

“Cuyahoga County Toys for Tots and 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment would like to sincerely thank the Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball for their generous donation and continued support.”

To learn more about Cleveland Indians community initiatives, visit Indians.com/community.