April 27, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
Nearly 20 University of South Carolina football players spent five hours
Saturday lending a helping hand through a city-wide project called
“Christmas in April.” The community service project, sponsored by Home
Works of Columbia, took place at the residence of Mrs. Katherine Drayton on
Pineland Drive in North Columbia. The athletes, along with a group of
volunteers from Home Works, made repairs to Mrs. Drayton’s home. Mrs.
Drayton is 77-years-old and takes care of her 83-year-old sister.

Jonathan Alston, a rising sophomore offensive lineman from Goose Creek,
S.C., along with fellow offensive lineman Josh Malloy, spent much of their
morning repairing the siding to the home. In the back of the house, a group
of players, which consisted of wide receiver Michael Ages, spur Rodriques
Wilson, free safety Jermaine Harris, spur Jonathan Martin and strength coach
Pat Moorer, installed a guard rail on Mrs. Drayton’s back steps. In the
back yard, a group of players helped a worker from Home Works put in a new
septic tank and drainage system. Runningbacks Gonzie Gray and Robert
Echols, along with offensive lineman Chad Walker shoveled loads of gravel
into the drainage ditch.

Quarterback Bennett Swygert spent much of his day scraping the old paint
from the house. A new coat of paint was put on and some windows were also
repaired. The players also fixed Mrs. Drayton’s screened porch, put in a
ceiling fan and hung some blinds inside the house.

“It gives you a good feeling to help someone less fortunate than you
out,” said Swygert, a true freshman from Summerville, S.C. “At least you
know you’ve done something productive on your Saturday.”

Gray, a redshirt sophomore from Waldorf, Md., said it’s good medicine
for the soul to help others out.

“We’re fortunate to be able bodied young men and we have an obligation
to help others out in the community,” said Gray. “We need to help those who
really can’t help themselves.”

Wilson, a sophomore from Cross, S.C., said the team enjoys serving the
community.

“There are a lot of people in this community who need a helping hand,”
said Wilson. “If we can do something small like this, then it’s our way of
showing others we care.”

Gretchen Chardos of Home Works, said her group was impressed with the
attitude and job done by the players.

“They have been a great group to be with,” said Ms. Chardos. “They are
hard-working, polite and fun to be with.”

Mrs. Drayton seemed to be touched by the kind gesture afforded to her by
the players.

“This has been really nice,” she said with a smile. “These boys don’t
know me and had no reason to come help me. But, they did, and I truly
appreciate it.”