COLUMBUS, Ohio — While the Buckeyes are busy preparing for the rivalry game this weekend, they made time to volunteer at LifeCare Alliance. About 40 players, mostly freshmen and sophomores, helped out on Wednesday afternoon at the nonprofit.

What You Need To Know

  • About 40 OSU football players volunteered at LifeCare Alliance

  • Players had the chance to pack up food, organize the pantry and decorate for Christmas, among other things, while they were at the nonprofit

  • The Buckeyes have volunteered with LifeCare Alliance since Urban Meyer was the Buckeye coaches

  • Freshman running back Dallon Hayden says he knows how important it is to help out in the community

LifeCare Alliance provides meals on wheels for people in Franklin, Madison, Marion, Champaign and Logan counties, as well as provides daily meals for seniors and groceries for cancer patients. The football team has been volunteering with the organization since Urban Meyer coached at OSU.

Players along with Buckeye fans helped pack up Thanksgiving food. (Spectrum News 1/ Katie Kapusta)

For freshman running back Dallan Hayden, he said it’s been tough to get their minds off the big game this weekend.

“I don’t think any of us can take our mind off the game because it’s the game," Hayden said. "But it feels good to do stuff like this in between such a crucial game.”

Dallan Hayden hands off a pallet of soup at LifeCare Alliance. (Spectrum News 1/ Katie Kapusta)

Buckeye players had a chance to interact with clients at LifeCare Alliance, and Hayden said he knows how much that means to Buckeye Nation.

“It makes me happy to see a smile on their face," he said. "They watch Buckeye football and when we’re here, you can tell it just brightens their day.”

Hayden said even as a freshman, he knows how much impact Buckeye football can have on the community.

“We have such a big platform being Buckeye football players, and when we serve our community, it just makes us feel really good," Hayden said.

Hayden and his teammate stock the pantry shelves. (Spectrum News 1/ Katie Kapusta)

Hayden said helping and volunteering in the community is the best way to show their appreciation for all of Buckeye Nation.

“It makes us happy to serve our community, give back. It just means a lot, honestly. I can’t even explain it, but it just means a lot. I’ve always been the type of person to want to give back to the community. Every time we do this, it makes me happy," Hayden said.

The Buckeyes continue to prepare for the game on Saturday as they take on the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium at noon.