Troy University athletes and trainers alike joined together, and not just on their respective playing fields, but instead to help the community.

For the past seven Novembers, the two forces have come together to collect food and clothing for the Alabama Department of Human Resources to be distributed to families who are in need of both.

“This is a great opportunity for the athletes to be a part of the community and to demonstrate that they care about the community itself,” Director of Student-Athlete Services and SAAC supervisor Matt Mayotte said.

All-in-all, 12 athletes from seven different sports and four others who are associated with athletic training gathered the items.

Mayotte said he believed that Thursday’s collection was the biggest one yet.

“The amount of boxes we of food we were able to take to Human Resources was incredible.

“[Thursday] was definitely an absolute success,” he added.

Mayotte estimated that in the past, the group was able to collect around 3,500 pounds however this year, he estimated collection was around 4,500 pounds.