Drake Maye Among Patriots Distributing Thanksgiving Baskets

Many of the individuals and families receiveing baskets are those who have faced significant challenges in their lives. In turn, they have come to Goodwill to gain the skills and confidence they need to build better lives for themselves. Goodwill is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to help individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency to achieve independence and dignity through work.

“The people coming in the door are people I know. They’ve been in our work programs, or they’ve just completed a training program and they’re saying, ‘I got a job,’ or ‘I got an interview.’ So that connection and that ability to give them one more thing that makes them feel like they’re making progress and they’re part of the community is truly special,” said Joanne Hilferty, CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, via 7News Boston WHDH.

Philanthropy is a Passion for Robert Kraft and the Patriots

Kraft established the New England Patriots Foundation in 1994 as a way to give back to the communities the Patriots call home. The mission of the foundation is to aid individuals and families that are often marginalized in today’s society. Through the implementation of year-round programming and support of philanthropic agencies, the foundation is building stronger communities throughout New England.

Still, the 84-year-old Patriots CEO never ceases to be humbled by his organization’s involvement in Thanksgiving-In-A-Basket each year.

“It’s really impressive,” Kraft told reporters. “To give back to the community is so uplifting. We appreciate the chance to use our platform for something special and something positive… The camaraderie of this team is genuine.”

Kraft’s praise of his team is well-deserved. In addition to earning their ninth-straight victory last week at Paycor Stadium, the Patriots became the first team in the NFL to reach 10 wins. With the Denver Broncos (9-2) remaining at nine victories due to their bye week, the Pats gained a half-game lead in the AFC overall standings. Combined with the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Pats are putting pressure on their competition, while staking their claim as the the sole owner of the top spot in the conference. They also hold a 2.5 game lead in the race for the divisional crown in the AFC East.