Aug. 16, 2016

In response to the recent flooding and hardships faced by the Baton Rouge and LSU community, the University of South Carolina will be coordinating a collection of items that will be sent to flood victims.

Between Wednesday and Friday of this week, fans can bring items to the Gamecock Football equipment truck, which will be located at the BI-LO on 4464 Devine Street, Williams-Brice Stadium and the Rice Athletics Center/Carolina Soccer Center. Fans attending the My Carolina Alumni Association Fall Sports Preview Party at the My Carolina Alumni Center on Thursday evening are encouraged to bring items to the event.

The dates/times are as follows:

Wednesday: BI-LO (4464 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205) [9 am — 1 pm] Williams-Brice Stadium (National Guard Rd/Bluff Road intersection by Gamecock Park) [2 pm — 7 pm] — Open Football Practice (6:30 pm)

Thursday: BI-LO (4464 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205) [9 am — 1 pm] Rice Athletics Center/Carolina Soccer Center (Heyward & Marion Streets) [2 pm — 8 pm] — Men’s Soccer Game vs. Winthrop (7 p.m.) My Carolina Alumni Association (900 Senate Street) [5 pm — 7 pm] — Fall Sports Preview Party (6 pm)

Friday: BI-LO (4464 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205 [9 am-6 pm]

Items in need from the Baton Rouge community include the following: baby and adult diapers, baby formula, canned foods (with pop tops), foods in plastic containers such as peanut butter and jelly, individually packaged crackers, snacks and breakfast bars, multi-packaged cereal, new and unopened socks, underwear, towels and blankets.

“LSU was so gracious to assist us in our time of need,” said USC President Harris Pastides. “Now it is our turn to help our SEC friends. I encourage all Gamecocks to drop off items needed for the Baton Rouge flood relief.”

During the historic October floods of 2015, LSU hosted the Gamecocks in a football game originally scheduled for Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 10. All net proceeds from the game were given by LSU to South Carolina. Also, following the game, an autographed game-worn jersey from LSU running back Leonard Fournette raised funds for South Carolina flood relief.

“I would like to encourage everyone to donate to help our friends in the Baton Rouge area that need our assistance,” said USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner.