Cavs Larry Nance Jr. partners with Swensons Drive-In for a very Akron charity event

AKRON, Ohio — Cavs forward Larry Nance Jr. loves being home in Northeast Ohio, and he loves Swensons Drive-In. In fact, it's the first stop he makes when he's in town. Now that he's back playing for the Cavs, he's not just making a quick stop for a cheesburger, tots and a Florida to drink—he put on the uniform and spent a day as a Curb Server all for a good cause.

On Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nance left the Cavs jersey on the hanger and threw on his newly acquired Swensons uniform, serving up orders at the Swensons' West Akron location.

It was a fun day for Nance as he got to spend the day at his favorite local food spot—but also a day full of giving back as Swensons donated 20% of all its sales during Nance's shift to Akron Public Schools.

The donations aim to help fulfill classroom wish lists while providing school supplies and essentials for students and teachers within the school system.

“We’ve been a proud part of the Akron community for over 60 years and this partnership with Larry is a powerful way to continue giving back to the students and families who inspire us every day,” Dan Mesches, CEO of Swensons Drive-Ins, said in a press release about the upcoming event. “We’re thrilled to join forces to support Akron Public Schools in a fun, memorable and impactful way.”

Swensons' President Jeff Flowers said Nance reached out to the restaurant with an idea.

"We couldn't be happier to host it here at the West Akron location, that's been here since 1934. This is Akron on Akron on Akron," Flowers said.

Nance, who was born in Akron and grew up in Richfield, rejoined the Cavs in June. Nance was a member of the 2018 Finals team and was with the team until 2021. After four years apart, Nance is happy to be back in wine and gold and is also excited to be able to give back to his hometown in a fun way.

“Akron shaped who I am, and I can’t wait to team up with Swensons – a brand every Akronite knows and loves – to support our students. I’ll be serving up burgs and making sure our schools get the boost they deserve," Nance said in the press release.

Nance didn't just serve up Galley Boys and shakes; he also said he would personally match every dollar raised for Akron Public Schools to double the funding raised during the event.

"Growing up here and just being able to help the local school district with... my local favorite restaurant is just really really cool," Nance said on Saturday.

Guests who looked forward to pulling up to the drive-in had Nance race to their car (after turning their headlights on for service, of course) and were encouraged to bring school supplies to contribute to the fundraiser directly, with physical supplies to be donated to Akron schools.

Here's a wish list of school supplies:

• Batteries - all sizes
• Binders - 3-ring 1& 3"
• Bookbags - clear
• Bookbags - draw string
• Baby wipes
• Clorox disinfectant wipes
• Command strips
• Computer mice - wireless
• Crayons
• Dry-erase boards - student individual
• Dry-erase board - Expo erasers
• Erasers - pink pearl & pencil top
• folders - 2 pocket with/without brads
• Folders - plastic pocket (take home)
• Glue sticks - regular & jumbo
• Hand sanitizer
• Headphones - ear buds
• Headphones - wired sturdy
• Headphones - noise canceling
• Highlighters
• Labels - address (regular & wide)
• Markers - Expo dry-erase black & colored
• Markers - Crayola 8 & 10 count
• Note cards
• Notebook - lined (wide, college & composition) single subject
• Page protectors
• Paper - lined loose leaf
• Pencils - Ticonderoga brand #2 (pre-sharpened & unsharpened)
• Pencils - kindergarten jumbo size
• Pencils - colored
• Pencils - mechanical
• Privacy folders - trifold
• Seat pouches for back of chair
• Scissors - adult & kid size
• Tissues
• Treasure chest prize incentives - fidgets, treats, games, Taki's, stickers, fun pencils