Cleveland Browns players slice up turkey for needy at St. Augustine Church and Hunger Center

CLEVELAND - Two members of the Cleveland Browns who are used to slicing through offensive linemen of opposing teams were slicing through turkeys at St, Augustine church.

T.J. Ward and Joe Haden, along with Munch Bishop of ESPN Radio and Dave's Supermarkets, donated turkeys for meals at St. Augustine Church.

For years, the church has been a gathering place for meals, not only during the Thanksgiving holiday, but throughout the year. Haden and Ward embraced Sister Corita Ambro, who runs the church hunger center, as they arrived.

"Being fortunate to be in the position that we are in, giving back is our big thing," said Haden. "My parents always made me feel like whatever I made and whatever I did, to always give back."

Within minutes, Sister Corita had ushered them into the kitchen, where many needy people from Cleveland were in line for turkey dinners. Ward and Haden took a few lessons on carving the birds and then laid out nice meals.

Also there to help serve dinners were several athletes from St. Edward High School. In this way, the professional athletes and the high school athletes worked together on the same team.

"As soon as we get into position to help, I was taught by my family to give back as soon as you can," said Ward.

Sister Corita smiled at the thought. Thousands of meals are served in the church hunger center area, and thousands more are delivered to people, who cannot get out of their homes .

"This year, we had to cook 1,500 turkeys and without their help, we could not do that."

Laughter was abundant as the two Browns football players were given a wishbone from a turkey. Each grabbed an end and pulled. The wishbone was hard to break and that drew a lot of laughter from the crowd, watching the muscular Browns defensive players. Eventually, the wishbone did snap with Haden getting the larger half. The thought is whoever gets the larger part gets good luck for the year.

The good luck came to those who were served by the two Browns players.