Indians in the Community

The Cleveland Indians connection and commitment to surrounding neighbors reach far beyond the ballpark walls. The Indians work rigorously to improve the quality of life and share the love of baseball and the spirit of citizenship and community with those living in and around Cleveland. Through the Cleveland Indians Community Outreach Department, the Indians are dedicated to supporting programs, groups, and activities that make a positive impact on families, fans, and citizens of Northeast Ohio.

Thus, the Cleveland Indians are proud to announce "Indians in the Community" for the 2008 season. With a focus on educational, recreational, and humanitarian programs; Indians players, coaches, wives, and the front office personnel are pitching in to make a difference in the community by helping local non-profit agencies, schools, and youth groups. "Indians in the Community" is an employee volunteer program that assists area neighborhoods and charitable partners.

On the second Friday of each month, "Indians in the Community," will offer a new and fulfilling opportunity for the Indians organization to volunteer in the greater Cleveland surroundings. "Indians in the Community" offers 5 core components for volunteers to participate: Health and Disease, Social Services, Education, Arts, Culture & Humanities, and Environment & Animals. These areas of interest comprise an array of volunteer opportunities including literacy assistance, restoring cultural pieces, cooking and preparing meals, land management projects and much more.

To launch "Indians in the Community," on Friday, January 11th, Indians front office volunteers will visit the Ronald McDonald House to cook, clean and participate in an arts and crafts project with the children of the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

The Ronald McDonald House provides the comforts of home - and much more. In addition to 37 guest rooms, the House offers comfortable living and play areas, a fully equipped kitchen, library, family resource center, children's playroom, and laundry room. Surrounding the House are beautiful gardens, flowers, herbs, a children's garden with a waterfall, winding walkways and benches. It stands as a symbol of comfort and support in our community, with open arms to welcome any family who might need shelter within its walls.

Since 1979, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland has been a home away from home for families whose seriously-ill children are receiving medical care at one of the Cleveland area hospitals. In 2007 alone, the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland served more than 1,100 families.

The Cleveland Indians are proud to have made a significant charitable impact in Northeast Ohio in 2007 and are eager to begin its efforts for the 2008 season.