Washington left tackle continues tradition of giving via ‘Leno Claus’

After signing with the Washington Football Team in May, left tackle Charles Leno wasted little time in not only solidifying the offensive line, but also proving to be more to his new home.

Through his foundation, the eight-year veteran and his wife, Jennifer Leno, have turned the month of December into a month of giving through an initiative they’ve aptly named “Leno Claus.” The tradition is one they started in 2020 in Chicago, when he was playing for the Bears, and planned to continue after signing in Washington — despite inherent obstacles with the move, the arrival of a new baby and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

For 25 consecutive days last month, the couple gave back to 20 nonprofits and helped five local families in need, many of whom were nominated or suggested by followers on social media.

On Day 1 of Leno Claus, the couple provided 40 jackets to the United Mission Relief, a Virginiabased nonprofit that provides disaster and recovery resources to underserved communities. A week later, on Day 8, they brought boxes of diapers, toothpaste and other toiletries to families at the Ronald McDonald House in Falls Church, Virginia.

They paid for groceries and a month’s rent for a single mother; put $1,500 toward the mortgage of a woman whose husband died of cancer; bought lunch for 250 people at the Maryland-based Spring Dell Center, which helps adults with disabilities; hosted a night of bingo at a New Hope Housing homeless shelter and donated $1,000 in gift cards; and, among many other good deeds, provided $1,000 worth of clean water to communities in Africa.