NORMAN — The little boy proudly featured one autograph scrawled on his neck, another spread across his forehead.
Despite mom's objections, he was pushing for one more signature — quarterback Paul Thompson's — supposedly for a vacant spot on one cheek.
"I've got to have it," the youngster pleaded.
The boy was one of many kids and adults gathered inside Oklahoma's Switzer Center on Monday night, as an estimated 80 to 100 families in need came to meet the Sooners and take away some memories and food for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week, thanks to proceeds from Saturday's food drive at Owen Field.
The project raised $17,600, with the money providing food for 216 families in the Norman area and some 500 families in seven communities overall.
Josh Heupel never imagined such an impact when he first started trying to make a difference as a Sooner player in 2000.
Now the Holiday Food Drive is one of several projects resulting from Heupel's non-profit organization, The 14 Foundation.
"That first year, I was over at one of the elementary schools working with kids, me and a couple buddies," said Heupel, now a Sooner assistant coach. "We just saw an opportunity to help people.
"I was working with some kids that I knew didn't have anything. I talked to the counselors there and the principal to see if we could do anything. We helped five or six families."
By the next year, the idea had taken off, with assistance from the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Now the Holiday Food Drive will feed families in Norman, Ardmore, Ada, Lawton, Enid, Moore and Stillwater. The proceeds are up $7,300 from a year ago.
"It wasn't anything I pre-planned, it just presented itself," Heupel said. "And it's something that's continued to grow.
"It's a joy to work with."
The joy was shared Monday night.
Families lined up for autographs and pictures with their favorite Sooners, including coach Bob Stoops. Afterward, they were presented with bags of food, as well as a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
"Anytime you're helping people in your area, around Thanksgiving, it's great," Stoops said. "We're just glad to be a part of it.
"It's a great way to help the community."
"It makes us feel good, the little we can do for them to help them have a good day," said sophomore safety Reggie Smith.
Said sophomore cornerback Lendy Holmes: "It's a great feeling, signing for the kids and families who are supportive of us."
A smiling Heupel worked the room, meeting every request. For him, that's what makes it all worthwhile.
"I've never wanted it to get
