Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders

The holiday season is a time for generosity—and the Las Vegas Raiders have made it a tradition to lead by example, using their platform to support families, children, and vulnerable communities across the Las Vegas Valley. From toy drives to meal distributions, player-led visits to charity fundraisers, the Raiders’ holiday giving back efforts are designed to spread joy, address critical needs, and strengthen their bond with the city they call home. Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders highlights these impactful initiatives, showing how the organization, its players, and even its fans come together to make the holidays brighter for those in need. For the Raiders, giving back isn’t just a seasonal gesture—it’s a reflection of their commitment to being a community partner year-round.

Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s flagship holiday initiative: the annual “Raiders Holiday Toy Drive,” which collects thousands of toys for children in underserved neighborhoods. Each year, the Raiders set up collection bins at Allegiant Stadium, local grocery stores, and team partner locations, inviting fans to donate new, unwrapped toys. In 2023, the drive exceeded expectations, collecting over 12,000 toys—enough to serve 4,000 children through partnerships with local nonprofits like Three Square Food Bank and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. Players and coaches also got involved, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, wide receiver Davante Adams, and defensive end Maxx Crosby hosting a “Toy Sorting Party” at the Raiders’ practice facility. The trio spent hours organizing toys by age group, signing autographs for volunteers, and sharing stories about their own holiday traditions. “Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when they get these toys—it’s why we do this,” Adams said during the event. “The holidays can be tough for a lot of families, and we want to make sure every kid feels special.” The toys were distributed at holiday parties across the city, with Raiders players making surprise visits to hand-deliver gifts and take photos with children.

Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders continues with the team’s “Holiday Meal Distribution,” a program that provides nutritious meals to families facing food insecurity during the holidays. In partnership with Three Square Food Bank, the Raiders donated 5,000 meal kits in 2023, each containing a frozen turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the fixings needed for a traditional holiday dinner. The distribution took place at Allegiant Stadium, where players like running back Josh Jacobs and linebacker Robert Spillane helped load meal kits into families’ cars, greeting each person with a warm smile and a “Happy Holidays.” For many families, the meal kits were a lifeline—Three Square reports that 1 in 7 Las Vegas residents struggle with hunger, and the holidays often exacerbate that need. “No one should have to worry about putting food on the table during the holidays,” Jacobs said as he handed a meal kit to a single mother of two. “This is just a small way we can help, but it means the world to these families.” The Raiders also included a handwritten note in each meal kit, signed by players, that read: “From our Raiders family to yours—we hope this meal brings you joy this holiday season.”

Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders includes player-led charity events that go beyond organizational initiatives, highlighting individual players’ commitment to giving back. One standout example is Maxx Crosby’s “Crosby’s Holiday Warmth Drive,” which provides coats, hats, and gloves to homeless individuals in Las Vegas. Crosby, a Las Vegas native, launched the drive in 2021 after noticing the number of people sleeping on the streets during the cold winter months. In 2023, he donated 1,500 winter clothing items, partnering with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission to distribute them during a holiday breakfast. Crosby also spent the morning serving food, talking to guests, and listening to their stories. “Growing up here, I know how tough the winters can be for people without a home,” Crosby said. “A warm coat isn’t just about staying cozy—it’s about dignity. Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable, especially during the holidays.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, player-led efforts like Crosby’s add a personal touch to the team’s giving back, showing that players are invested in the community beyond their on-field roles. The organization often promotes these initiatives on social media, encouraging fans to join in and donate to local charities.

Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the Raiders’ support for military families during the holidays, a cause close to the team’s heart. Each year, the Raiders host a “Military Holiday Brunch” at Allegiant Stadium, inviting 200 military families—including active-duty service members, veterans, and their loved ones—to enjoy a catered meal, meet players, and receive gift bags. In 2023, the event featured special guests like Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen and current tight end Darren Waller, who shared stories of their own connections to the military (Waller’s father is a veteran). The Raiders also donated $25,000 to the USO of Southern Nevada, which provides services to military families like free holiday travel assistance and care packages for deployed troops. “Military families make so many sacrifices, especially during the holidays when loved ones might be deployed overseas,” said Raiders president Sandra Douglass Morgan, who helped organize the event. “We want to show them that we appreciate their service and that they’re part of our Raiders family.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, supporting military families is a way to honor the city’s strong military community—Las Vegas is home to Nellis Air Force Base and thousands of service members. The brunch has become a beloved tradition, with families returning year after year to share the holiday spirit with the team.

Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the impact of these initiatives on the Las Vegas community, as shared by local nonprofit leaders and families who benefited. Three Square Food Bank CEO Brian Burton noted that the Raiders’ holiday meal donations help the organization serve 30% more families during December. “The Raiders aren’t just donors—they’re partners,” Burton said. “Their support allows us to reach more people, and their players’ involvement helps raise awareness about hunger in our community. It’s a win-win for everyone.” A single mother named Maria, who received a toy for her 6-year-old son and a meal kit from the Raiders, shared her gratitude: “This holiday season was going to be tough—money was tight, and I didn’t know if I could get my son a toy. The Raiders changed that. He’s been talking about meeting Davante Adams for weeks, and that meal will feed us for days. I can’t thank them enough.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, these stories are the ultimate measure of success—proof that their holiday giving back efforts are making a real difference. The organization plans to expand its initiatives in 2024, adding a “Holiday Gift Card Drive” for families and a “Senior Holiday Visit” program where players will visit assisted living facilities. In the end, Holiday Giving Back Efforts Showcased by the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of generosity, community, and heart. It’s a reminder that sports teams have the power to uplift those in need—and that the holidays are made brighter when we come together to support one another. For the Raiders, this spirit of giving isn’t just for the holidays—it’s a core part of who they are.