Each Thanksgiving, thousands of Clevelanders lien the streets of downtown for the Cleveland Turkey Trot powered by CSU Recreation and Viking Public House — a tradition rooted in gratitude, community, and giving back. This year, we’re especially grateful to partner with several incredible local organizations making a difference across Northeast Ohio.
From supporting families in need to empowering students and providing vital community services, these groups embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving in Cleveland. And as always, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food items on race morning to benefit St. Augustine’s Church and the West Side Catholic Center – helping local families enjoy a warm holiday meal.
Read on to learn more about our 2025 charity partners and how your miles make a meaningful impact right here at home.
Encouraging healthy relationships through open conversations in schools, Love Doesn’t Shove helps students recognize what’s acceptable and unacceptable behavior, empowering them to make positive choices in all relationships.
Supporting families affected by drug and alcohol addiction through education, community engagement, and scholarships. Their events and outreach help fund recovery resources and spread hope throughout Northern Ohio.
Making sure every family enjoys the warmth and joy of a Thanksgiving meal. Last year, they delivered 2,000 meal kits and aim to reach even more this year! Learn how to help at cleveland.thanksgivingheroes.org.
The region’s largest hunger relief organization, serving over 420,000 people annually through food distribution, meal programs, and SNAP outreach — connecting families to essential nutrition and support.
Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services
Donations benefit foster and adoption recruitment efforts, helping provide events, resources, and ongoing support for foster families across Cuyahoga County.
Providing free, comprehensive services for survivors of rape and sexual abuse while promoting prevention and advocating for social change across Northeast Ohio.
️ Greater Cleveland Young Marines
A youth-focused organization that builds leadership, discipline, and community spirit in kids ages 8–18 through teamwork, fitness, and service-focused programs.
Partnering with families through the ParentChild+ program in Medina County, Live Inspired promotes early literacy and positive parent-child interactions to prepare children for lifelong learning and success.
For more than a century, Easterseals has offered whole-person care — connecting families to physical, emotional, and social services that strengthen well-being and community ties across the country.
We’re grateful to have such inspiring partners join us for the Cleveland Turkey Trot, presented by Cleveland State Rec Center and Viking Public House.
Together, we’re running toward a brighter, more connected community this Thanksgiving! ♀️