The holiday season is upon us, a time filled with food, gifts, and unforgettable memories. From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year, it’s the time of year that many cherish, especially when we look back on our childhood. But not everyone had the luxury of those festive moments. Take Jonathan Owens, for instance. He once shared, “I wasn’t able to be with my mom for the holidays, so it really meant a lot to me to be able to create lasting memories for them and give back.”

Despite not having that perfect holiday experience as a child, Jonathan Owens is now making it his mission to bring joy to others. Back in 2022, the St. Louis native held his first turkey giveaway, spreading holiday cheer to countless families. Simone Biles‘ husband, Owens shared a glimpse of the heartwarming event on Instagram with a caption that read, “It was a blessing to be able to help families in need and put smiles on their faces.” And as the season of giving approaches once again, Owens is back at it, creating unforgettable moments for those in need and making sure that no family is left behind this holiday season.

As per a report by Chicago Bears, Jonathan Owens kicked off the holiday season with his third annual turkey drive, providing Thanksgiving meals for 500 families in Chicago. Hosted through the Jonathan Owens Foundation, this event marks Owens’ tradition of giving back in every NFL city he’s played in — from Houston to Green Bay to Chicago. When he arrived at the Building Bright Futures Center for the Arts, he was greeted by a long line of families ready to receive a holiday meal. After distributing bags filled with turkeys and all the fixings, Owens took to the streets to give out meals to passing cars and buses, spreading holiday cheer wherever he went.

“The holidays are just a great time to try and bless people, give people a great experience, see some smiles on kids’ faces, and just feel like a part of the community,” Jonathan Owens said. His efforts went beyond just providing food; they created moments of joy and connection. “Thanksgiving has always been a big thing for me. When I started doing this a few years ago, getting responses from the families that came — I just saw how much we impacted the community.”

As Jonathan Owens interacted with families, he couldn’t help but smile at how much happiness he was helping to create. “It’s a great thing out here. I wish everyone could see how many happy kids and families there are. We’re taking pictures, we’re flagging people down in the middle of the street, giving out turkeys and Thanksgiving dinner. It’s been an amazing experience.” These small acts of kindness resonated deeply with both him and the community.

For Jonathan Owens, the real reason behind the drive was a personal one. He shared a conversation with a young football player preparing to graduate, asking for advice. Owens recognized how such small moments could make a difference, saying, “Just a small nugget like that, of information and advice, could change someone’s life.” While he may not have had the holiday celebrations many dream of, Jonathan Owens is making sure others get that chance! So, what exactly is his foundation all about, and what’s next on the horizon for Jonathan Owens and his mission to give back?

Jonathan Owens is on a noble Thanksgiving mission!

Jonathan Owens kicked off his third annual turkey drive on November 11, aiming to bring some Thanksgiving cheer to 500 families in Chicago. Through the Jonathan Owens Foundation, this event has become part of his bigger mission to give back to every community he’s played in across the NFL. Families lined up to receive bags filled with all the Thanksgiving essentials, and Owens made sure to spread the love, even passing out meals to drivers, creating a warm, festive atmosphere all around.

Teaming up with Kareem Wells of the K.W.O.E. Foundation, Jonathan Owens is making a serious impact, proving that working together with local organizations can amplify the holiday magic. His efforts go beyond just handing out meals—it’s about connecting with the community and helping people feel seen and supported.

Last year, Owens’ foundation kicked off a heartwarming holiday tradition in Green Bay by adopting a family and giving them gift cards to pick out their own presents. This year, he kept the good vibes rolling in Chicago, finding a family who had recently lost their home in a fire.

He invited them to the BBF Center and surprised them with presents and gift cards. Owens said his goal was simple: bless one family with some holiday cheer and give them the chance to treat themselves. He added that even a small gesture can make a big impact, especially around the holidays. For him, it was all about connecting with the Chicago community that welcomed him when he moved in March and using his platform to make life a little easier for others. He also pointed out that when you’re in a position to give back, “You never know – one conversation, one picture, one handshake could change the whole trajectory of someone’s life.”

By teaming up with local nonprofits, Jonathan Owens is gearing up to expand his reach and support more families. His turkey drive isn’t just about alleviating holiday struggles—it’s about building strong community bonds, showing how athletes can be a huge force for good beyond the field.