Damar Hamlin's Toy Drive Fundraiser Tops $6 Million

January 4, 2023

More than 200,000 people have donated to Damar Hamlin's toy drive after he suffered cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football (MNF).

Credit: Damar Hamlin Facebook page

Hamlin, 24, created The Chasing M's Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more.

On December 14, 2020, Hamlin launched a "Toy Drive" on GoFundMe with a goal of $2,500.

"As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me. I created The Chasing M's Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive," he wrote on GoFundMe.

"This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need."

Hamlin never reached his goal -- until two days ago when the NFL star collapsed mid-game on MNF.

In 48 hours, a total of $6.1 million has been donated to his charity.

On average, about 2.2 donations were made through his GoFundMe page every second in the first 24 hours after Hamlin got hurt. And many came with messages of hope for the young NFL player in his second season.

The information regarding the status of the Bills safety continues to be limited. But the limited information from this morning is encouraging.

Hamlin family friend and spokesman Jordon Rooney said that doctors got "promising readings" overnight regarding Damar, and that "progress appears to be made."

He remains sedated and in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.