Ravens Spend Off-Season Giving Back To Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Giving back to Baltimore. The Ravens are known for their countless efforts to help those in need.

Marcus Washington reports on what players are doing to keep many warm this winter.

It's a tradition for the Baltimore Ravens. Each year, several players donate winter gear, helping hundreds of homeless men in our city.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the holiday season is a season of giving and giving back.

"I was pretty surprised to see Joe Flacco come in," said James Wentworth, who is part of the program at Helping Up Mission.

It is the 12th year for the Ravens Coat Drive with Helping Up Mission.

Joe Flacco and several of his teammates handed out jackets and winter gear to men in need.

James Wentworth told WJZ Helping Up Mission saved his life and seeing the Ravens giving back is something he won't forget.

"I shook all their hands. Just the smile---I was grinning from ear to ear...but those guys---they were getting the same pleasure and the same, just, joy in the gift of giving as I was in receiving," he said.

As if receiving a coat from a Raven wasn't special enough, some players left a permanent mark at the Mission in the gym.

"We've got the Ravens who've signed a section of the gym down here, which is cool and can be motivating for the guys," said Wentworth.

For Helping Up Mission, working with organizations like the Ravens is crucial.

Director of Philanthropy Kris Sharrar told WJZ what it means to have the players show up for the hundreds of men the mission helps.

"What it teaches us, what it shows us, is that we're valued. That we have dignity. That we are considered as part of the fabric of the community. That we're not castaways. And we can return to hope and health and return home and return to community," said Sharrar.

250 coats were donated this year.

For more information on Helping Up Mission and the work they do with the Ravens, click here. You can also "like" their page on Facebook.