Ray Rice attended a Toys for Tots fundraiser in Dundalk on Wednesday night, his first public appearance in the area since the Ravens released him in September.
The fundraiser, at Jimmy's Famous Seafood, was hosted by Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith.
"It's a warm welcome just to know that there are still people out there who still do support," Rice told WJZ-TV. "It does feel good to be out and amongst the Baltimore community and just to give back."
Rice's indefinite suspension from the NFL -- levied by commissioner Roger Goodell -- was lifted by an arbitrator last month.
Rice was charged with simple assault after punching his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, in an elevator at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in February.
A pair of videos posted by gossip website TMZ -- one in February and another in September -- led to discipline from the NFL. The Ravens released Rice after the second video was posted.
The running back has a pending grievance against the Ravens that claims wrongful termination of his $35 million contract. He's attempting to recoup $3.5 million in lost salary from the 2014 season.