CLEVELAND — Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor is doing his best to give back to the Greater Cleveland community, announcing a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House that will provide special food to families in need.
"Cooking with Naylor," which officially launched Tuesday, will supply baseball-themed boxed lunches to children and parents staying at both the House as well as Ronald McDonald Family Rooms located at hospitals across the area. Naylor himself will volunteer at the main facility numerous times throughout the season, helping to cook and prepare the food while also spending time with guests.
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"We are thrilled to partner with the Guardians and players this season," Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio CEO Craig Wilson said in a statement. "Josh Naylor visiting our Cleveland Ronald McDonald House is exciting for families staying with us. Having him cook shines a light on a critical support service we provide — meals"
This newest venture will boost RMCH of Northeast Ohio's overall food program, which the organization says served more than 59,000 meals and saved families more than $900,000 in 2022 alone. The charity provided some type of service to more than 28,000 families last year, with nearly 1,000 combined staying at the Ronald McDonald Houses in Cleveland and Akron.
"With the community's generosity, we can provide all services at no cost to families," Cleveland House Director Mark Destino wrote. "Meals keep families strong so they can focus on what matters most – their children. Our new, expanded kitchen allows more volunteer groups to join in making that difference for families here and in our hospital-based Family Room programs."
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio is always looking for volunteers, and if you're interested, you can sign up at rmhcneo.org.