Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots

The holiday season in New England is synonymous with two things: crisp winter air and the New England Patriots’ unwavering commitment to giving back. For over two decades, the Patriots organization—from players and coaches to front-office staff—has turned the holidays into a time of support for local communities, launching initiatives that provide food, toys, and hope to families in need. Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots explores this year’s efforts, the history behind the tradition, and how it has become a cornerstone of the team’s identity beyond the football field. For fans and community members alike, this tradition isn’t just about charity—it’s a reminder that the Patriots are more than a team; they’re a part of the region’s fabric.

Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots begins with the tradition’s roots, which date back to 2002, when team owner Robert Kraft and his late wife Myra launched the “Patriots Holiday Food Drive.” What started as a small effort to collect non-perishable food items for local pantries has grown into a region-wide movement. This year, the food drive expanded to 10 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, with collection bins at grocery stores, Patriots Pro Shop locations, and Gillette Stadium. Through the first three weeks of December, the drive has already collected over 50,000 pounds of food—enough to provide more than 41,000 meals to families in need. “Myra and I started this because we believed a team’s responsibility goes beyond winning games,” Robert Kraft said in a recent press event. “The holidays are a time when so many families struggle, and we wanted to use our platform to lift them up. It’s amazing to see how this tradition has grown—thanks to our players, coaches, and, most of all, our fans.” The food drive isn’t just about donations; Patriots players like quarterback Mac Jones and tight end Hunter Henry have volunteered at local pantries, helping sort and distribute food to families.

A centerpiece of Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots is the “Patriots Toy Drive,” now in its 18th year, which partners with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to deliver gifts to children in underserved communities. This year, the team set a goal of collecting 15,000 toys—and exceeded it by early December, thanks to fan donations and a player-led toy drive at Gillette Stadium. On a recent Tuesday evening, over 20 Patriots players, including running back Rhamondre Stevenson and cornerback J.C. Jackson, gathered at the stadium to sort toys, wrap gifts, and write personalized notes to the children who would receive them. “This is my favorite part of the holiday season,” Stevenson said, holding a stuffed bear he had just wrapped. “When you’re a kid, the holidays are all about that excitement on Christmas morning. No kid should miss out on that. Being able to help make that happen means more than any touchdown.” The toys are distributed to over 20 local organizations, including children’s hospitals, homeless shelters, and community centers, with Patriots staff and players often joining in to deliver the gifts in person.

Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots also highlights the team’s focus on supporting families facing medical hardships during the holidays. Each year, the Patriots partner with Boston Children’s Hospital to host a “Holiday Party” for young patients and their families. This year’s party, held at the hospital’s main campus, featured appearances by Patriots mascot Pat Patriot, cheerleaders, and players like defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebacker Matthew Judon. The team donated 200 gift bags filled with games, books, and Patriots memorabilia, and Judon even led a mini “football clinic” in the hospital’s playroom, helping kids practice their throwing and catching skills. “These kids are some of the bravest people I’ve ever met,” Judon said after the event. “If we can take their minds off treatments for even an hour and give them a little joy, that’s the best win we can get this season.” For the New England Patriots, this initiative is personal: many players have shared stories of family members who faced illness, and they see the party as a way to give back to a hospital that serves so many in the region. The hospital’s staff echoed that sentiment, noting that the Patriots’ visit is one of the most anticipated events of the year for patients.

Another meaningful part of Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots is the “Adopt-a-Family” program, where Patriots players, coaches, and staff “adopt” local families in need and provide them with a full holiday experience. This year, 35 families were paired with Patriots personnel, who delivered everything from holiday meals and gifts for children to warm coats and household essentials. Head coach Bill Belichick, who has participated in the program for 15 years, adopted a family of four from Brockton, Massachusetts, bringing them groceries, toys, and a custom Patriots jersey for each child. “This program reminds us of what’s important,” Belichick said, rare for the usually football-focused coach to share a personal note. “These families work hard every day, and sometimes life throws them a curve. We’re just glad we can help make their holidays a little easier.” For the New England Patriots, the “Adopt-a-Family” program isn’t just a one-time donation—it’s a chance to connect with community members on a personal level. Many players stay in touch with the families they adopt, checking in throughout the year and even inviting them to a Patriots game the following season.

Looking ahead, Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots shows no signs of slowing down. The team has already announced plans to expand next year’s food drive to include more locations in Maine and Vermont, and the toy drive will partner with additional local organizations to reach more children. Robert Kraft has also hinted at a new initiative: a “Holiday Warmth Drive” to collect coats, hats, and gloves for homeless individuals, inspired by feedback from community leaders. “This tradition isn’t something we do once a year and forget about,” Kraft said. “It’s part of who we are. We want to keep finding new ways to support our communities, not just during the holidays, but all year long.” For the New England Patriots, this commitment to giving back has also strengthened the bond between the team and its fans. Many fans cite the holiday initiatives as a reason they support the Patriots, noting that the team’s focus on community makes them proud to be part of the Patriots family.

Holiday Giving Back Tradition Continues with the New England Patriots is ultimately a story of connection—between a team and the communities that support it. It’s about players and coaches using their platform to lift others up, about fans coming together to make a difference, and about turning the holidays into a time of hope for those who need it most. As the Patriots take the field during the holiday season, they carry with them not just the goal of winning games, but the pride of knowing they’re making a difference off the field. For New England, this tradition is more than a holiday ritual—it’s a reminder that sports have the power to unite, to heal, and to spread joy. And as long as there are families in need, the Patriots will continue to be there, keeping their holiday giving back tradition alive for years to come.