LOUISVILLE, Ky. — ‘Tis the season of giving back.

Christmas is only one week away and Lena Sledge says she’s had lost count of how many presents she’s wrapped. Sledge is spending her retirement volunteering at organizations like The Lord’s Kitchen. The Park Hill organization delivers meals and offers addiction recovery services and shelter and during the holidays collects, wraps and delivers thousands of presents.

“Just doing what I enjoy doing,” Sledge told Spectrum News.

Sledge has been volunteering at Lord’s Kitchen for approximately two years and is currently surrounded by gifts.

“A lot of games for the children,” Sledge said.

There are toys for children of all ages ready to be wrapped and, as efficient as she is, Sledge wouldn’t mind some help.

On Wednesday, she got a lot from members of the University of Louisville football team, including defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte.

“I think a lot of people really don’t understand how much they have and just being able to give back during a time where someone may have just lost a family member, or they may not be getting presents at home…” Gillotte said.

Gillotte has made a strong impression on NFL scouts and the executive director of Lord’s Kitchen.

“He doesn’t just come here once a year, for just the holiday season or Thanksgiving. He and his family are here year round,” Joni Votaw said.

If you ask volunteers like Sledge, Gillotte and his teammates are also making the right impression by setting a good example for younger athletes.

“It is because a lot of our young kids look up to these athletes and if they set a good example, then that child wants to follow that,” Sledge said.

“Good character” may not be an NFL stat line, but it certainly is an indicator of future success.

Louisville will play Washington in the Sun Bowl in Texas on New Year's Eve.