INDIANAPOLIS — Our Indianapolis sports teams are giving back to the community as we get closer to Thanksgiving.
All over town Tuesday, we saw the Colts and Pacers stepping up to help. Giving back is the game plan.
The Colts' "Horseshoe Helpings" program is now in its 12th year.
"When we show up and have an opportunity to give back, it's really nice," said Colts center Wesley French. "Super happy time. You hear the music, hear everybody's laughter and smiles and stuff like that, so it was a really good day."
"Awesome!" said Maurice Mumford of New Beginnings Fellowship Church. "Every year we love this. And we're grateful, thankful to the Colts organization and everyone who's a part of this."
The Colts teamed up with churches, volunteers and sponsors for an impressive holiday handoff. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn and cranberry sauce — 43,000 pounds of food for 2,000 Indianapolis-area families.
"Seeing people smile for the holidays is a wonderful thing," said French.
They were serving up food one tray at a time at Wheeler Mission.
"Just helping the people that need help, you know," said veteran and volunteer Mack McClure, serving meals to the men at the shelter. "Season of giving, that's what we do."
They got some help from Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
"There's more to life than playing football, so when you can help people in different ways besides just going running around there on Sundays and give back to people where they need it the most, I feel like that's most important as a man," said Downs.
Downs brought his mom and dad to help, too, and made a donation. Clothing, shoes, toiletries, and a $4,000 check.
Off the court, the Pacers were feeling the spirit of the season, holding a coat drive at Horizon House.
Hoosiers in need are the winners here, thanks to a team effort to give back.