New England Patriots players returned from their bye week and immediately participated in several community service activities across the region.
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas, quarterback Drake Maye, and former Patriots player Rob Ninkovich hosted a “Mentorship in Action” flag football event at Gillette Stadium. The event was organized with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts and Gillette, giving children the chance to take part in drills, skills clinics, a speaking program, and flag football games alongside the players. “It’s a blessing to be out here,” said Douglas. “Just to see all these kids smiling and excited.”
Afterward, Douglas attended the annual Gingerbread House party organized by Friends of the Children. This nonprofit supports mentorship for at-risk youth. Douglas had previously represented Friends of the Children during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative, wearing custom cleats designed by children involved in their programs. At Sunday’s event, he helped make gingerbread houses and led a dance-off with participants.
Tight end Hunter Henry continued his tradition of supporting local foster children by hosting his fourth-annual holiday party for Communities For People. The gathering included food, games, and gifts for foster youth—a partnership that Henry has maintained since joining New England.
The Patriots offensive line also took part in volunteer work at Hockomock Area YMCA. Twelve players contributed $5,000 to buy gifts for young adults in foster care this holiday season. Morgan Moses described their efforts: “We had little stations and had some guys writing cards, some guys bagging gifts… So to be able to do something like that so kids of all ages wake up with a gift under their tree – it was a great day.” Garrett Bradbury led this initiative among teammates.
Meanwhile, Brenden Schooler supported an integration program at the YMCA for individuals with special needs by helping decorate gingerbread houses and present tags during an evening event.
Quarterback Drake Maye surprised 20 children from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket at North Attleboro JCPenney by giving each child a $200 gift card as well as new Nike sneakers. Maye and his wife assisted as personal shoppers while helping them select clothes and toys.
Running back Terrell Jennings joined Dynasty Sports’ annual toy drive at North Shore Mall in Peabody benefiting the Peabody Police Department. He met fans while collecting toys for donation.
Offensive lineman Caedan Wallace donated $3,000 to Heading Home—a Boston-based organization serving people experiencing homelessness—and distributed gifts to 137 children at its Lowell shelter.