For rookie DL C.J. West, the event marked his first time participating in “Hope for the Holidays,” and it left a lasting impression.
“This event is huge because the holidays are such a big time to spend with family,” West said. “Being able to give back to families who may need a little extra support… it just warms my heart.”
LB Curtis Robinson, the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, also took part in the evening, emphasizing the importance of giving back during the holiday season.
“It’s a really special event for me,” Robinson said. “I understand how hard circumstances can be, so giving families this opportunity to meet players and go home with fresh food and gifts for their kids means a lot.”
Robinson added that his WPMOY nomination has further highlighted the responsibility players have within the community.
“I’ve learned how big of an impact we (players) can have,” he said. “We’re blessed with resources, and being able to share that is really important to our supporters that make up the Bay Area.”
By the end of the night, the 49ers had donated over 80 boxes of groceries from Second Harvest Food Bank, more than fourty $500 Safeway gift cards, clothes, toys, household items, and a plentiful supply of holiday dinner foods and ingredients, generously provided by Lexus, Dignity Health, Levi’s®, Shoe Palace, Zenni, and Peet’s Coffee.
With falling snow, smiling faces, and red wagons full of gifts, the 49ers once again turned Levi’s® Stadium into a place of joy, reminding families that the holiday season is about connection, celebration, and hope.