Former Michigan offensive lineman and current graduate assistant Cory Zirbel helps sift through a box of donated stuffed animals during the culmination of the Washtenaw County Salvation Army's Angel Tree Toy Drive on Wednesday.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

With a day off from finals, Roy Roundtree figured it was the least he could do.

“It’s Christmas, you’re supposed to give back,” Roundtree said.

Roundtree, offensive lineman David Moosman and about 8 other Michigan football players and staff members volunteered their time at The Salvation Army of Washtenaw County’s annual “toy shop” Wednesday.

The players spent 2 hours helping disadvantaged families pick out toys, clothes and food items for the holidays. Salvation Army officials said about 650 families signed up for the shop this year, up from 500 last year, and more than 5,000 toys and 675 boxes of food were donated through the Angel Tree Toy Drive.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Michigan director of football operations Brad Labadie and assistant athletic director for football Scott Draper organized the players’ participation and took part themselves Wednesday.

Michigan wide receiver Roy Roundtree helps Heather Dawkins of Ypsilanti shop for donated Christmas items in the basement of the Washtenaw County Salvation Army Headquarters during the culmination of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Toy Drive.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

“Anytime you can give back to the community it's a good thing, so that’s what I’m trying to do here," offensive lineman Mark Huyge said. "It’s a great feeling to know that you’re helping other people out, especially people sometimes that are less fortunate."

Moosman, one of Michigan's most charitable athletes, walked the aisles with mothers and fathers who came in to pick up Christmas presents for their children.

“There’s definitely a need for this and I feel like I could help," he said. "It’s not exactly a burden for me so I want to do what I can.

“This is just one thing that somebody needs help with. I’m in a special position where I’m able to do stuff like that. Not everybody’s as lucky as I am."

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.