DALLAS — It's a holiday tradition when the Dallas Cowboys trade their cleats for aprons.
"It's important to get out in the community shake hands, meet the fans and give back to the community that supports us year-round," Cowboys Running Back Zeke Elliott said.
They scored some big smiles as they served up turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie at the Salvation Army in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks brought his son, Maverick, to share a powerful lesson in kindness and compassion.
"He's just blessed, and I want him to understand he has to be a blessing to others," Cooks said.
Katrina Anderson, a huge Cowboys fan joked about getting served pumpkin pie by right guard Zach Martin.
"Oh my God I am so excited," Anderson said.
Martin said he got a kick out of meeting her.
"Katrina made me sign her paper my love Katrina. Pretty entertaining," Martin said.
Usually, quarterback Dak Prescott attends this event, but he's scheduled to have surgery Wednesday for a hamstring injury.
"We are thinking of him he obviously means so much to our football team and this organization," Martin said.
"We have a record number of families that are coming to us that have never been to the Salvation Army because of the cost of food, utilities and rent that has gone up and the money goes to help these families," said Major Paul McFarland, Salvation Army of North Texas Area Commander.
The Salvation Army says the money goes to help families in shelters.
"We've raised over 4 billion dollars for the Salvation Army and that is everyone in the community participating by putting those quarters, dimes, and nickels in the red kettle. That's why it's so important," said Charlotte Jones, Cowboys Chief Brand officer.
The Cowboys have been supporting the Salvation Army's kettle drive for 28 years.