Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots

As the holiday season unfolds across New England, the New England Patriots are keeping a decades-old tradition alive—channeling the spirit of the season into impactful community outreach that supports families, children, and those in need. Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots isn’t just a seasonal gesture; it’s a reflection of the franchise’s core value of “community first,” a principle that has guided their off-field work since the team’s early days. From toy drives to meal distributions, the Patriots’ holiday giving efforts bring together players, coaches, staff, and fans to lift up local communities, turning the joy of the season into tangible help for those facing hardship. For New Englanders, this tradition isn’t just about football—it’s about the team showing up when it matters most, proving that their commitment to the region extends far beyond the gridiron.

Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots has deep roots, dating back to the 1990s when former Patriots owner Robert Kraft launched the team’s first holiday toy drive. What began as a small effort to collect gifts for children in Boston-area hospitals has grown into a multi-faceted campaign that touches every corner of New England. Over the years, the tradition has expanded to include meal giveaways for food-insecure families, coat drives for homeless individuals, and holiday parties for children with chronic illnesses. This year, the Patriots built on that legacy with a month-long “Holiday of Hope” initiative, partnering with 20 local nonprofits (including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Feeding America) to maximize their impact. “Our holiday giving isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are,” said Patriots team president Jonathan Kraft. “My father started this tradition because he believed a sports franchise has a responsibility to give back to the community that supports it. Every year, we try to make it bigger and more meaningful.”

Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots came to life in early December with the team’s annual “Toy Drive & Visit” to Boston Children’s Hospital. A group of 15 Patriots players—including quarterback Mac Jones, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and defensive end Matthew Judon—spent three hours delivering personalized toys to 120 young patients, many of whom are facing long-term hospital stays. Jones, who has participated in the event for three years, said the visits remind him of the “real purpose” beyond football. “These kids are fighting so hard, and if we can bring them even a few minutes of joy, that’s the best win we can get all season,” he said. The players also read holiday stories, posed for photos, and signed autographs, with Judon even dressing up as Santa Claus for a group of younger patients. Beyond the hospital visit, the Patriots collected over 5,000 toys through drop-off locations at Gillette Stadium and local grocery stores, donating the extra gifts to community centers in low-income neighborhoods across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots also addressed food insecurity—a pressing issue in New England, where 1 in 8 households struggle to put food on the table. In partnership with Feeding America, the Patriots hosted a “Holiday Meal Distribution” at Gillette Stadium, providing 2,500 families with pre-packaged meal kits that included turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and fresh vegetables. Head coach Bill Belichick, who rarely misses the annual event, helped load meal kits into cars alongside players and staff, chatting with families about their holiday plans. “Food is a basic need, but during the holidays, it’s also a symbol of togetherness,” Belichick said. “No family should have to choose between paying bills and having a holiday meal. We’re proud to help make that choice easier.” The Patriots also donated $100,000 to Feeding America’s local chapters, funding additional meal deliveries for families who couldn’t attend the in-person distribution. For the New England Patriots, this effort wasn’t just about providing food—it was about preserving the dignity of families during a season that can be financially stressful for many.

Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots engaged fans in the giving spirit through a “Community Coat Drive,” which collected over 3,000 winter coats, hats, and gloves for homeless individuals and low-income families. The Patriots encouraged fans to drop off gently used winter gear at Gillette Stadium during a December home game, offering a free Patriots-themed ornament to anyone who donated. Fans responded enthusiastically, with lines forming at the drop-off stations hours before kickoff. “I’ve been a Patriots fan my whole life, and this is one way I can give back alongside the team,” said a fan from Worcester who donated three coats. “It feels good to know we’re all in this together.” The collected items were distributed to shelters in Boston, Providence, and Hartford, with Patriots cheerleaders and mascot Pat Patriot helping hand out coats to those in need. For the New England Patriots, fan participation is key to the tradition’s success—turning a team initiative into a community-wide movement that amplifies impact.

Tradition of Giving Continues in Holiday for the New England Patriots isn’t just a seasonal event; it’s a promise to the community that the team will keep showing up year after year. As the holiday season ends, the Patriots are already planning next year’s initiatives, with a goal to expand their reach to more rural areas of New England that often lack access to community resources. Players like Jones and Judon have also pledged to stay involved beyond the holidays, volunteering at local food banks and mentoring children throughout the offseason. “This tradition is bigger than any one player or coach—it’s about the Patriots family, which includes every fan and every member of the community,” Jonathan Kraft said. “We’ll keep this tradition going as long as there are families in need, because that’s what it means to be part of New England.” For the New England Patriots and the communities they serve, the holiday giving tradition is a reminder that football is more than a game—it’s a way to bring people together, spread hope, and make a lasting difference. As one recipient of a holiday meal kit said, “The Patriots don’t just win games—they win hearts. That’s the best gift of all.”