Children from area hospitals pay a visit to Redskins Summer Training Camp.

CHRIS COOLEY IS A GUY WITH A PASSION for more than just one cause; he dabbles in many and gives his time to people in all walks of life. This year he teamed up with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and the Redskins community relations department while implementing his own plan of giving back to the Washington, DC area.

“I don’t help just because it makes me feel good or just because it’s cool. I help because I have the ability to do so,” Cooley says. He doesn’t limit himself to a single cause or want to start his own foundation. His goal is to plan a fundraising event each month and donate at least $10,000 to an organization, event, or group of deserving people.

Cooley, inspired by a visit to a children’s hospital, recently invited patients from Children’s National Medical Center and the Hospital for Sick Children to Redskins Park, where he signed footballs, posed for pictures, and gave away video games, and Redskins gear.

During his mother’s battle with breast cancer, her appearance became a sensitive issue, he says. Inspired by her struggle and survival, Cooley gave 20 breast cancer patients a chance to be pampered during an event he sponsored. Each participant received a free wig, scarf, hat, or turban fitted by a licensed aesthetician, plus a new pair of jeans fitted by the Gap, a bag of makeup, and tips from a cosmetologist. In addition, Lansdowne Resort donated one-hour sessions at its Spa Minerale as door prizes. The women toured Redskins Park, got to meet some of the football players, and received themed goody bags as they left the building.

Cooley’s goal for the off-season is to speak at 10 schools in underprivileged neighborhoods and donate $5,000 to each. Cooley will then select 10 students, one from each school, and give each a $25,000 college scholarship. If $250,000 for 10 scholarships isn’t raised from merchandise sales from his blog or eBay, he’ll use his own resources to make up the difference.

Cooley’s all-around ability—blocking, catching, running—echoes his far-reaching approach to involvement in the community.