When Blake Corum hosted a toy drive at Somerset Collection earlier this month, attendance at the mall far exceeded anyone’s expectations. The Michigan football captain spent much of his day exchanging selfies for gifts that he promised to donate across the region.
Corum made some of the donations in-person on Friday as he visited Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor with a truckload of toys.
“A very merry visit for Little Victors from Blake Corum,” the hospital shared on social media. “Blake surprised some of our patients with a special visit and a brought HUGE truck loaded with toys. THANK YOU Blake for making time to spread joy this holiday season. Hail and Go Blue.”
Corum, who returned to Michigan for his senior season in 2023, has given back to the local community on several occasions and has been outspoken about his desire to leave a positive legacy both on and off the football field.
“Over my last four years, I look back and pray I left a legacy. I stamped my mark here. I made a difference both on and off the field,” Corum said after he helped U-M beat Ohio State in November.
Corum received the Collegiate Social Service Award from Reverend Jesse Jackson last January. During his acceptance speech, Corum said, in part:
I’m more than an athlete.
God has blessed me not only with athletic abilities but the ability to give. The ability to put smiles on people’s faces. The ability to make people laugh. That’s what it’s all about.
Life is about the small things — the smiles, the laughs, the get-togethers. That’s what I believe.
I was once on ‘Good Morning America.’ When we were talking, I said, ‘Football is my passion. Giving back is my purpose.’ Serving is what I believe God put me on this earth to do. I will continue to serve and bring communities together as long as I’m on this earth.
Corum is also one of three finalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.
In addition to his toy drive, Corum hosts an annual event before Thanksgiving — called Giving Back 2 Give Thanks — in Ypsilanti, Mich. This year, he provided more than 600 Thanksgiving turkey meals to families for the holiday. Corum also has donated backpacks and school supplies to local children and has partnered with the Detroit Police Athletic League and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry for other charitable events.
On the field, Corum was a Heisman Trophy contender in 2022 and leads the nation in rushing touchdowns this year. He and Michigan face Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
