The New England Patriots returned from their bye on Monday already in the holiday spirit, and wasted no time in sharing that joy with the community.
It all started with a holiday party double-header at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday.
That evening, the Patriots Foundation partnered with the Salvation Army for its annual Children's Holiday Party, which saw Pat Patriot, Patriots Cheerleaders, and star cornerback Christian Gonzalez and a handful of his teammates serving pizza and cookies to more than 200 children in need.
"This is the 31st year of the New England Patriots Children's Holiday party," said Major Elijah O. Kahn, general secretary of the Massachusetts Salvation Army.
"I'm just so pleased to know that many of these children on their own have never visited Gillette Stadium, but because of this day and this event they are here having a great time."
The night featured interactive games with the players, gift giving, and of course, the kids "decorated" the players in the traditional "Wrap A Pat" activity.
"It's amazing to be here and give back, it means everything," Gonzalez said. "Especially me, being a kid growing up, to be able to do this now means a lot."
With one wall of separation in Gillette Stadium's Putnam Club, captain Hunter Henry was hosting a holiday party of his own.
The tight end and his wife Parker, in partnership with the Shaw's and Star Market Foundation, distributed gifts to the children of Communities for People's foster care program for the third straight year.
Off site, but around the same time, Ja'Whaun Bentley didn't let his injury stop him from giving back in a way that's meaningful to him.
The defensive captain visited three housing facilities in Roxbury run by Heading Home, a non-profit and provider of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing for children and adults currently or formerly experiencing homelessness.
With his personal connection, having experienced housing insecurity in his youth, Bentley was happy to visit with these children and families to offer hope during the holidays.
