GAINESVILLE--After a close call on the gridiron Saturday, the Gator football team took a moment between practices Monday to help out those who are less fortunate.

It's part of the Third Annual Thanksgiving Outreach Project, which is organized every year by Saint Augustine Catholic Church. 

It was started by former head football coach Urban Meyer, but the annual tradition continues even though he is gone.

Members of the football team came out to volunteer their time, packing bags full of donated food for the needy. 

Despite their busy schedules, members of the team say they would be present no matter what. 

"I just feel like its important because people like me didn't come from much, so i'm giving back something that somebody gave me." -Mark Herndon, UF Freshman Running Back

"We really appreciate all the fans that come out to all of our games, cause they really make a big difference in our performance on account of the atmosphere.  It's not the same in the swamp without the 90,000 there, so we just feel like giving back to the community." -Drew Ferris, UF Junior Long Snapper

About eight hundred bags were assembled and will be distributed to the Saint Francis House, The Salvation Army, and The Catholic Charities of Gainesville.