ROBERTSDALE, Alabama -- Two days after the beginning of Christmas break, most students were probably home snug in their beds on Friday morning.

But not members of the Robertsdale High School Golden Bear football team and cheerleaders. They were busy gathering toys for all the good girls and boys and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

For the last two weeks, team members have been soliciting donations from local businesses and on Friday, they delivered what they had gathered to the hospital, which serves as a primary care facility for young patients who, along with their families, won’t be home for Christmas this year, said Lauren Sanders, mother of team member Adam Sanders, who along with Tonya Reeves, Amy Williams and Coach Brian Campbell, organized the event.

“I tried to count how much was raised, but it was just overwheming,” Sanders said. “It is truly awe-inspiring to think how much we raised.”

Campbell said he hopes to plan two or three fundraisers throughout the year as a way to give back to the community.

“When I took this job, one of the first things I wanted to be able to do was to organize events like this to give back to the community,” he said. “The community does so much for our team that it’s important that we are able to give something back, both as a team and the athletic program as a whole.”

About 80 to 85 students are currently participating in the school’s football program, Campbell said.

“Something we talk about every day is the importance of being positive role models,” he said. “This will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

For junior Sam Criswell, giving back is a way to honor those who have given to him.

“It just feels great to give back to the community,” he said. “I mean, that’s what Christmas is really all about. It should be more about giving than receiving.”

For sophomore cheerleader Allie Bertolla giving back is a way of saying thanks to those who support the programs.

“They’ve always been there for us,” she said, “and it’s good to be able to give back.

Being able to do something for others is what it’s all about, said senior Colton Mosley.

“It really makes me feel good to be able to do something for others who may not have much otherwise,” he said. “It’s a great feeling.”