Carson Palmer retired nearly three years ago from the NFL after playing for 15 seasons but thinks he has not retired. He has just moved to a new career.

The father of three has always dedicated his resources to initiatives that help aid underprivileged children, and his latest effort should be applauded. Carson joined the ‘Fill the Stadium’ effort, which Compassion International organizes. They are a Christian child development organization that works to ‘release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.’

The ‘Fill the Stadium’ initiative kicked off to provide necessities like food, medical care and other support to children who have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Even school is getting disrupted for children living in underfunded areas because when the shift was made to virtual learning, they lacked internet at home and could not attend. Efforts like ‘Fill the Stadium’ hope to reduce those problems and make it easier for children to get the basic necessities they desperately need.

The goal for the effort was originally set to raise 35 million dollars, which has quickly been surpassed with the help of pro-athletes.

Palmer learned of the organization from a friend and former NFL quarterback, Steve Stenstrom. After Palmer reached out to get advice on a mission trip for his kids, Stenstrom recommended a trip with Compassion International. The pair began making plans, and for Giving Tuesday, Palmer pledged 300 thousand dollars and urged other athletes to join the cause.

“When you think about all the children, 70,000 kids that Compassion wasn’t able to reach this year because of COVID, it breaks my heart,” said Palmer. “What we accomplished through this initiative is to stand in the gap for all these kids and provide life-saving aid during such a trying situation.”

Other athletes have joined the effort, including Nate Solder, New York Giants offensive tackle; Chris Davis, former Baltimore Oriole first baseman, Alyssa Naeher, a member of the U.S. Olympic and World Cup Women’s Soccer Team; Case Keenum, Cleveland Browns quarterback; Nick Foles, professional football MVP quarterback; Adam Engel of the Chicago White Sox; Sam Burns, PGA TOUR golfer; Nick Ahmed of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Jordy Nelson, former professional wide receiver; Devin and Jason McCourty, NFL defensive backs; Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes; Brock Huard, FOX sports broadcaster and former professional quarterback; and many others.

Compassion’s CEO and President Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado said his prayers were answered through the contributions, but the work is far from over.

“Now that the goal for this initiative has been met, my prayer is that the resourced world won’t move on too quickly and forget about the rest of their under-resourced brothers and sisters who desperately need their assistance. They continue to need our support both financially and spiritually. There are still so many children that desperately need our support.”

COVID-19 caused a major global crisis both economically and socially. It continues to affect available resources for people worldwide, and this is one of many charities working hard to find a solution. Learn more about the ‘Fill the Stadium’ effort here.