Wilfork helps Toys for Tots collect more than 10,000 donations

His fellow members of the Patriots' front seven have long been able to vouch for the idea that it's good to be aligned with Vince Wilfork.

Now the Toys for Tots program can, too.

The defensive lineman teamed with Eastern Bank over the just-finished holiday season to lead a campaign that generated the donation of more than 10,000 toys to the Marine Corps' initiative. The final total, which includes contributions from Eastern customers, employees, and the general public made at the bank's 99 retail offices, was revealed Monday.

“My family and I could not be more pleased with the response from the ‘Eastern Bank Toys for Tots Toy Drive,’ ” Wilfork said in a press release. “I have to thank my fans and followers for helping make the season bright for over 10,000 children. It was great being able to see the tweets from fans dropping off their toys and images of the overflowing donation drop boxes. This once again proves that New England has the best fans in the country!

“These moments are what truly makes putting on my uniform and representing this region so special. Thank you to (Eastern Bank CEOO Richard E. Holbrook), all the employees at Eastern Bank, The U.S. Marine Corps, and all of New England for helping us make a difference.”

Oh, and speaking of his own family, the latest episodes of "At Home With the Wilforks" can be seen here.