SCRANTON -- Members of the Abington Heights Comets Football team walked through The Mall at Steamtown with bags full. It wasn't last-minute shopping, but a last-minute delivery. Presents they would give to complete strangers.
"We're so blessed as a team and grateful for everything that we have, so when you have the opportunity to give back to the community and help those less fortunate, it really means a lot to us," said Abington Heights junior Colin McCreary.
"It puts a smile on my face, actually makes you feel good about yourself, that you can change someone`s life like that. All those clothes for someone else," added student Brandon Hardy.
The team donated dozens of winter coats to Lackawanna County's Office of Youth and Family Services' "Adopt an Angel" program just in time for Christmas.
"We went down to Nickie's Hoagies, Armetta's, Nyx bar, we just dropped off some boxes. We had a big box at our school. And actually, I didn't realize it piled up that much. I was actually surprised when we were pulling all the bags out. But it goes for a good cause and we certainly got more than expected," Hardy said.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Lackawanna County's Office of Youth and Family Services is at The Mall at Steamtown collecting gifts for the Adopt an Angel program. The last minute donation from Abington Heights will help those kids beyond the holiday.
"It really helps. Whether it's the deadline of our Adopt an Angel program or continuing forward, we always accept donations at our office," said Youth and Family Services supervisor Rachel Green.
The Comets collected the coats as part of a new team building program: a service project each month even after football season is over.
"It was really exciting. It really brings us together as a team, helping people in the community," said team member Logan Hivner.