A few of the Amanda Elzy High School football players stepped off the field and into the kitchen Wednesday.
Coach Eric House said he wanted to involve the players in the community during the team's "dead week." Seven Elzy players visited the Greenwood Community Kitchen to help fix plates, serve food and clean up afterward.
"This is a way to show the community that there are still some good kids in this area," House said. "It's been heartwarming to see how grateful the people are for our help."
House said the children were especially excited to see the Elzy players sporting their blue and gold jerseys in the kitchen.
Elzy quarterback Jermaine Whitehead was one of the students participating. He said he frequently tries to help out around the community.
"We aren't doing this to be rewarded or anything. It's nice just to come down here and help out," Whitehead said. "A lot of people come to our games and show us they care about us. We want to show them that we care about them, too."
Running back Dewayne Springs said helping others in a place that has been good to him is a wonderful opportunity.
"Some of these kids were just smiling and looked so excited," he said. "You can tell that people here appreciated it."
Carlee Bailey, executive director of Greenwood Interfaith Ministries, said she was happy to have the Elzy volunteers.
"We really appreciate this so much," Bailey said. "The coach said that he was going to try to get more of the players in here more often."
Other groups interested in helping may call 455-4545.
House said building character is an important part of his team's training.
"We've been telling the kids that aside from practicing, they also have to work to be good citizens, good students and great people every day," he said. "There is a lot expected of us this year, and I want them to know that's not going to happen unless we work for it."
