McClain Launches Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Ravens rookie linebacker **Jameel McClain** has made a quick connection with the Baltimore community in his first year. He hasn't been spending his off-days resting or adjusting to the physical demands of his first year in the NFL.
Instead, McClain spent the past three consecutive weeks learning about and becoming involved with our community.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, McClain was invited to participate in the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff as a special guest speaker. It was a brisk morning in the Inner Harbor. The Baltimore Brass Band Ensemble played holiday tunes as the bundled guests arrived at the ceremony.
And, the atmosphere and weather truly gave everyone the sense that the holiday season has arrived.
Maj. Roger Coulson, the Salvation Army Greater Baltimore Area Commander, welcomed the guests and introduced McClain, who spoke of the impact the Salvation Army had on his life growing up in Philadelphia. Raising funds for this cause is near and dear to his heart.
As a child, McClain benefited from the Salvation Army services, staying in a shelter for an extended amount of time during elementary school. He conveyed his interest in becoming more involved with the Baltimore Area Salvation Army through future efforts.
The ceremony ended with the infamous bell ringing as the guests lined up to give their donations.
Next time you see Santa ringing that bell beside the red kettle, be sure to put in some change and think of No. 53.
Jason Brown Visits George Washington Elementary
In addition, the students at George Washington Elementary were dressed in purple and extra energized on Tuesday. The 200 Pre-K through fifth-grade students were celebrating American Education Week and their positive behavior reward program, Caught Being Good. The purple was in honor of their special visitor, Ravens center **Jason Brown**.
"Mr. Brown" began the day assuming the role of a substitute teacher with the Pre-K and kindergarten students. He looked much bigger than the teacher the children were used to, but they adjusted quickly. Brown received a warm welcome in the classroom, as No. 60 jerseys, colored by the students, hung on the chalkboard.
The first story he read to the students was "Drat That Fat Cat." They were familiar with the story, so when he concluded they prompted him to read another. Brown chose the crowd pleaser, "When You Give a Pig a Party." After he answered questions about the stories and snapped a few photos, Brown headed over to the gymnasium to address the 1st-5th graders in an assembly.
At the school-wide assembly, the gregarious Brown, who rarely shies away from an opportunity to tell a story, explained his study habits as a young student. He gave away his secret spelling test tip. The UNC graduate explained to the crowd that he would study his spelling words right before bed, only to dream about the words in hopes they would be his first thought when he woke up. He also mentioned using Skittles, or a healthier snack, as motivation to get through his math problems.
At the end of the assembly, students read their heartwarming thank you letters written to their new substitute teacher.
Ravens Share Warmth
Ravens quarterbacks **Todd Bouman** and **Troy Smith**, kicker **Steve Hauschka**, offensive tackle **Joe Reitz**, cornerback **Frank Walker** and tight end **Daniel Wilcox** warmed up the Baltimore community by joining the Baltimore City Police Athletic League on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
The group, joined by Dunbar High School's defending State Champion football team, distributed coats to individuals at the Helping Up Mission Homeless Shelter as part of the Baltimore City PAL fifth-annual Coat Giveaway.
More than 20 Ravens winter jackets were given to those who answered football trivia questions correctly. Following the Ravens jacket giveaway, over 300 coats were given out along with a warm lunch.
The coats were given just in time, as snow flurries fell for the first time in Baltimore this year after the event.
