Shopping for a cause: As the temperature in Pittsburgh climbed to over 80 degrees on Tuesday, Steelers players were inside preparing for winter.
And it was for a good reason.
As we all know, temperatures in Pittsburgh can drop quickly, so having the proper outwear is paramount, especially for kids.
That's why a group of players took kids from the Steel Valley Salvation Army Corps shopping for a new winter coat, hat, gloves and boots in conjunction with Project Bundle-Up.
"It's awesome to see the smiles on their faces, get them the hats, gloves and things that they need," said long snapper Christian Kuntz. "Giving back starts at the top, with our owners, our head coach, everyone in the organization instills that in us. We want to give back and help this community as much as we can.
"I have seen this in the past. I know we have done it in the past. Now that I get to come and help out, it's special."
The Salvation Army's Project Bundle-Up is a program started by two late Pittsburgh staples, Patricia Rooney, the wife of late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, and Joe DeNardo, the former WTAE-TV weatherman. This is the 39th year for the program and there is one thing that has been consistent all along, the day is special for the kids and the players alike.
"It feels great to be a part of something that has been going on for so long, started by such a great family," said defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk. "To be able to be here and help it continue, it's a great honor."
Through Project Bundle-Up, children up to 18 years old and seniors 62 and over are eligible for assistance to purchase warm winter outwear. Since the program began, more than $17 million has been raised and provided outerwear for nearly 305,000 individuals, with 5,000 individuals assisted annually.
"Just how much the Steelers enjoy being here with the kids was special," said Major Philip Lloyd of the Salvation Army. "I think the players got as much out of today as the kids."
And he wasn't kidding.
The players, including Kuntz, Loudermilk, Calvin Anderson, Keeanu Benton, Terrell Edmunds, Pat Freiermuth, Thomas Graham Jr., Nick Herbig, John Leglue, Tyler Matakevich, Ayo Oyelola, Aaron Shampklin, Corliss Waitman and Rodney Williams, had what they even described as the 'time of their lives,' and some promised to come back next year because it was so much fun.
"This is an awesome event," said linebacker Nick Herbig. "The fact that we get to partner with them, get the kids right for the winter, nice and warm and looking fresh.
"You get to this point in your life and all you can do is give back and help the community out."
There is no question the help is needed. Project Bundle-Up provides for those where the need is strongest, and that need continues to grow every year.
"If anything, the need is probably greater now," said Lloyd. "Unfortunately, the need is never slowing down. We could never do this without the help of the community and with partners like the Steelers.
"It's just a great day."