Athletes Who Give Back During The Holidays

The holidays are a special time! It isn’t just lights and food, it’s a season of giving, of spreading love and lifting up what’s been heavy on other people’s hearts. It’s when we remember the folks who might not have much, the kids who don’t get much magic in their lives, and the families holding it down but still struggling to make ends meet. Giving back during this time isn’t something extra – it’s essential. It’s the heart of the season.

That spirit of giving shines through when athletes who give back step off the field and into the community. These ballers, some who have platforms that reach millions, are in the perfect position to give back – whether it’s to kids who look up to them, families facing hard times, or organizations doing brave work behind the scenes. When athletes give back during the holidays, they bring real joy and inspiration – not just wrapped presents, but time, attention, resources, and hope.

Why is that important? Because athletes are more than highlights and headlines – they’re role models, leaders, and sometimes the most visible faces in their communities. When they show up for the less fortunate, they’re saying loud and clear that giving matters, that community matters, and that everybody deserves love and light even on the toughest days. They use their spotlight to bring others into the light, and that’s powerful.

Let’s be real…when a kid sees their favorite player helping out, it plants something inside them. It teaches empathy. It reminds us all that success isn’t just about what you get, but what you give. So when the holidays roll around, athletes hitting the courts and fields aren’t just prepping for games – many are prepping to give back in ways that matter beyond the scoreboard.

With that in mind, here’s a list of athletes who step up and give back during the holiday season and what they’re doing to make the season brighter for others:

Caleb Williams

Through his Caleb Cares Foundation, Williams brings youth to Bears games, hosts workshops, and inspires kids with experiences beyond the sidelines. He was named an NFLPA Community MVP for these efforts.

Christian Benford

During Thanksgiving and the holiday season, Benford’s 47 Hearts Foundation provided meals and winter essentials to hundreds of underserved people in Buffalo.

Derek Jeter

Through his Turn 2 Foundation, Jeter has hosted holiday events and gift giveaways for kids and families, helping keep young people focused on education and healthy lifestyles.

LeBron James

King James gives back big – from scholarships and backpacks to charity events around the holidays, his foundation supports families and education with tens of millions in donations.

John Cena

Outside of wrestling, Cena has granted hundreds of Make-A-Wish requests – many timed around holidays – brightening the season for seriously ill children nationwide.

Will Anderson Jr.

The defensive end honors his grandmother’s legacy by feeding kids and donating bikes to youth clubs around Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

Damar Hamlin

The 27-year-old is known for annual Christmas toy drives in his hometown to make sure kids get something special during the holidays.

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