“We talked to families, listened to what they needed, and realized we could make an even bigger difference by helping kids stay warm this winter.”
After five years of providing Thanksgiving meals to local families, the annual community initiative evolves to address a new challenge: keeping children and families warm during Michigan's winter months.
ANN ARBOR, MI — November 12, 2026 — For the past five years, NFL running back and former University of Michigan standout Blake Corum has partnered with CLR Academy to make Thanksgiving a little brighter for families in need. What began as an annual turkey giveaway providing families with turkeys, side dishes, and cooking supplies has grown into a cherished community tradition rooted in service and giving back.
Now, as community needs evolve, so does the mission.
On Saturday, November 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Corum and CLR Academy will host their inaugural Winter Coat & Clothing Giveaway, partnering with The SunBundle, a nonprofit founded and operated by former collegiate athletes, to distribute 500 winter coats, more than 200 pairs of sneakers, and additional clothing items to local children and families in need.
When Corum and CLR Academy first launched their Thanksgiving giveaway, few organizations in the area were providing complete holiday meals and the supplies needed to prepare them. Five years later, a growing number of athletes, nonprofits, and community organizations have stepped forward to help meet that need.
Rather than simply continuing a successful tradition, CLR Academy and Corum recognized an opportunity to listen, adapt, and address another pressing challenge facing local families.
"Five years ago, we saw families who needed help putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table, and we stepped up," said Blake Corum. "Now, it's incredible to see so many other athletes and organizations doing the same thing. That's what giving back is all about. But the work doesn't stop there. We talked to families, listened to what they needed, and realized we could make an even bigger difference by helping kids stay warm this winter. Whether it's a turkey on Thanksgiving or a coat when it's freezing outside, it's all about showing up for our community."
The event will take place during CLR Academy's regularly scheduled Saturday programming, reinforcing the organization's commitment to creating a consistent, welcoming environment where young people and families can access resources, mentorship, and opportunities.
"Community work should never be about doing something simply because you've always done it. It should be about identifying needs and finding ways to meet them," said Justin Harper of CLR Academy. "When we started the turkey giveaway with Blake five years ago, we were filling a real gap. Today, we're proud that so many others have joined that effort. After conversations with families in our community, we recognized that access to warm winter clothing was another challenge we could help address. This pivot is a reflection of what CLR Academy has always stood for: listening to our community, building meaningful partnerships, and creating lasting impact."
“ This pivot is a reflection of what CLR Academy has always stood for: listening to our community, building meaningful partnerships, and creating lasting impact.”
This year's initiative will be strengthened by a new partnership with The SunBundle, an organization founded by collegiate athletes who recognized the financial barriers preventing underserved youth from accessing athletic footwear and equipment. Through the collection, cleaning, and redistribution of donated sports gear, The SunBundle helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports and lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
"At The SunBundle, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be active, confident, and included, regardless of their family's financial circumstances," said Clare McNamara of The SunBundle. "As collegiate athletes, we've seen firsthand how access to the right equipment can change a young person's life. Partnering with Blake Corum and CLR Academy allows us to extend that mission beyond the playing field, providing sneakers and clothing to families who need them most. We're excited to be part of an initiative that puts community needs first."
“We’re excited to be part of an initiative that puts community needs first.”
For CLR Academy, the Winter Coat & Clothing Giveaway represents more than a change in seasonal programming. It reflects a broader philosophy of community engagement: meaningful impact requires listening, collaboration, and a willingness to evolve.
As the organization continues its year-round work providing free youth sports, educational enrichment, mentorship, and wellness programming, its longstanding partnership with Corum remains a powerful example of how athletes and community organizations can work together to address real challenges beyond the playing field.
Event Details
WHAT: Blake Corum x CLR Academy Winter Coat & Clothing Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: South Pointe Scholars Academy (10550 Geddes Rd. Ypsilanti, MI)
WHO: Blake Corum, CLR Academy and The SunBundle
DISTRIBUTION: 500 winter coats, hoodies, gloves, hats and more than 200 pairs of shoes
Click Here for more information including a ‘Know Before You Go’
About CLR Academy
CLR Academy is a community-driven youth development organization dedicated to expanding access to sports, education, mentorship, and wellness opportunities. Through free, year-round programming, CLR Academy uses sports as a vehicle to build confidence, foster meaningful relationships, and create pathways to brighter futures. From weekly youth development activities to community-wide service initiatives, CLR Academy is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring every child has an opportunity to thrive.
About Blake Corum
Blake Corum is an NFL running back, former University of Michigan football standout, and national champion who has made community service a cornerstone of his work beyond football. Through longstanding partnerships and charitable initiatives, Corum continues to invest in the communities that have supported him throughout his journey, with a particular focus on children, families, and those facing economic hardship.
About The SunBundle
The SunBundle is a student-athlete-founded and operated organization dedicated to providing underserved youth with repurposed athletic gear, empowering them to lead active and healthy lives. Recognizing the inequities in access to athletic resources, The SunBundle collects, cleans, organizes, and redistributes donated footwear and athletic equipment. Through community events, education, and mentorship, the organization works to eliminate financial barriers to sports participation and ensure that no child is sidelined by a lack of resources.
