With the holidays rapidly approaching, dozens of Tennessee student-athletes were already in the giving mood.

For the second year, several Vols and Lady Vols athletes and coaches participated in Lift Up America to help distribute 30,000 pounds of chicken and 4,000 car batteries to 44 area charities.

From a parking lot across Neyland Drive from the Tennessee Boathouse, UT athletes helped load items into vans, trucks, trailers and even a U-Haul van that will deliver the goods to less-fortunate families across East Tennessee.

"We always talk about using being a UT Lady Vol to help other people," said Lindsay Schutzler, an All-American shortstop. "We've been given so much and blessed so much to be part of this school, we just like to give back whenever we get the chance."

Lift Up America has staged similar events across the country — around 30 total — to distribute prescription eyewear, hearing aids, batteries and food through area charities with the help of pro and college athletes and teams.

Lift Up America partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute the items in East Tennessee.

"It's rare that our food bank and these agencies see a lot of protein," said Elaine Machiela, executive director of Second Harvest. "This is the best part about it. We're getting some very nutritious food for the needy around Christmas, so that's real exciting."

Machiela said Second Harvest chose a diverse group of charities to receive the food, including churches, a children's home and soup kitchens.

More information can be found at www.liftupamerica.org.