DETROIT (WXYZ) – The Detroit Lions were working hard – off the field this time – to make sure people in need had a warm Thanksgiving dinner to share with their families.

Many players expressed gratitude to the community for welcoming them to Detroit, a new city they grew up from, and for always supporting them despite their record on the field.

“I was lucky enough to grow up with food always on the table, so I don’t know what it’s like to not have that. And so to come here and give them that, I think it’s huge,” offensive lineman Colby Sorsdale said.

The Lions doubled their numbers from last year by preparing about 5,000 meals, expected to serve 158,000 food-insecure people in metro Detroit. They teamed up with the Meijer Community Food Bank and Gleaners.

“That’s what food insecurity is, is not knowing where that meal is going to come from,” said Angela Halverson, director of community donations at Gleaners. “This will give them the opportunity to sit around a table and share a meal together.”

Preparing meals to give to families for Thanksgiving has become something of a tradition for the team. Many players have expressed their gratitude to their community, saying this food package is just a small way for them to give back to those who have supported them no matter what.