Christian Benford has been selected as the Week 13 NFLPA Community MVP for hosting his first Thanksgiving Celebration event at the Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, where he provided a holiday meal for 300 families in need.

Thanks to a $5,000 donation from the Buffalo Bills cornerback and his 47 Hearts Foundation, along with the meal, attendees also received a winter kindness kit that included lip balm, a hat, a pair of gloves, hand warmers, body warmers and snacks. These essential items are critical during the winter months for the unhoused, food insecure and other marginalized populations served by Community Missions.

The event marked Benford's latest giveback initiative in his Buffalo community. Earlier this year, he authored his first children's book called "Stylish Safari," celebrating individuality, self-expression and kindness through a story about a bobcat with a unique fashion sense. Benford has visited several schools to read his book, including a fall festival at Brick Buffalo Academy that featured food, fun activities and story time for the kids.

All proceeds from the book go toward his 47 Hearts Foundation, which supports homeless shelters, food drives and foster care systems in order to uplift vulnerable individuals and families.

In recognition of Benford being named NFLPA Community MVP for Week 13, the NFL Players Association will donate $10,000 to his nonprofit of choice. Along with the other Community MVPs from this season, he will also be eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, which is the NFLPA’s highest player honor and includes an additional $100,000 donation.