Jan 3, 2023 - Sports

Donations to Damar Hamlin's toy drive surge after Bills player's collapse

Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills after a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium on September 19, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York.

The Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin after a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, September. Photo: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

As Damar Hamlin was being treated in the hospital following his on-field collapse Monday night, donations soared to the fund-raising appeal that the Bills safety created in 2020.

The big picture: Hamlin, who's in critical condition in a Cincinnati-area hospital, said when he set up the community toy drive that had a goal of $2,500 that "100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need."

  • GoFundMe tweeted a link to the fundraiser on Monday night, saying: "Following his injury on the field tonight, fans across the country are showing their support for him and his family by donating to his fundraiser."

By the numbers: Hamlin's GoFundMe page had raised more than $650,000 an hour after his collapse on the field during Buffalo's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, per USA Today.

  • By 1:50am Tuesday, the site had raised more than $3 million.
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