For a decade, the sight of Santana Moss (#89) streaking across a football field was a source of excitement for Washington fans. Now, as a Leesburg resident and familiar face in Northern Virginia, the former NFL wide receiver is channeling that same energy into a different kind of drive: the mission of the 89 Ways to Give Foundation.
The foundation's name is a clear nod to the jersey number Moss wore during his prolific career, but the mission goes far beyond the gridiron. Moss started his charitable work long before his NFL debut, driven by a profound empathy for children growing up in unstable environments. His vision, which now anchors the foundation, is simple yet powerful: to inspire hope, create everlasting bonds, enhance quality of life, and empower everyone in our community. For Moss, giving back is about providing the stability and belief that enables children and families to pursue their own dreams with hard work and integrity.
While 89 Ways to Give supports the community year-round with events like its annual celebrity golf tournament, the holidays are a critical time when the foundation truly shines. The signature festive event is the "Santana Claus" Toy Drive. This initiative transforms seasonal generosity into tangible joy for local children who might otherwise go without. These events are more than just a donation drop-off; they are community gatherings that celebrate the spirit of the season with a memorable twist on the traditional figure. These efforts ensure that local families and children in the area he made his home while playing for Washington, receive the joy and hope they deserve during Christmas.
The greatest gift is participation and the foundation offers straightforward, impactful ways for local residents to get involved and embody that spirit of giving. President Carmen Felder emphasizes: "The spirit of the 'Santana Claus' drive is all about community showing up for community. We encourage everyone, whether you're an individual, a local business, or a sports team to find your way to give. Every single action creates an unforgettable moment for a local child." The foundation sets an ambitious goal of directly serving 1,000 families by leading this annual campaign to collect and distribute toys, according to Felder.
Join the celebration and support the mission at the "Santana Claus" Toy Drive on Thursday, December 12, 2025, from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM at Aston Martin & Bentley in Ashburn, VA. Entry to the event is a $50 monetary donation or an unwrapped toy.
- Flexible Giving: If you can't stay for the evening event, you can still participate! You are welcome to simply drop off a toy donation at the Aston Martin location without staying.
- Donation Methods: The foundation accepts donations in many forms, including Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Mobile Pay, and Check. Contributions enable the foundation to continue its core mission throughout the year.
- Spread the Word: Moss believes strongly in the power of inspiration. Simply sharing the foundation's mission and encouraging others to find their own "way to give" helps amplify their impact.
Santana Moss may be done scoring touchdowns on Sundays, but through 89 Ways to Give, he continues to win; not just for himself, but for countless families across Northern Virginia, making the holiday season brighter for everyone.
His vision, which anchors the foundation, is simple yet powerful: to inspire hope, create everlasting bonds, enhance quality of life, and empower everyone in our community.