Athletics Staff Gives Back to Community

May 11, 2015 Photo Gallery

The South Carolina Athletics Department staff was busy giving back to the community as part of “We Care” Week. Coaches, administrators and other Athletics Department staff members took time out to serve the Midlands community each day last week with volunteer efforts on campus as well as at the Harvest Hope Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, PETSinc, Transitions, Hannah House and Pawmetto Lifeline.

“It’s great that so many of our staff gave their time to get involved in these projects as responsible citizens of this community,” Athletics Director Ray Tanner said. “It’s important to give back and support these various missions. I’m especially glad that so many took part in this endeavor.”

There were 90 individuals from the Athletics Department staff who volunteered to serve during the week.

“We wanted to give back to the community for all that the community gives to us in the Athletics Department and the University of South Carolina,” said Equestrian Coach Boo Major while volunteering at Harvest Hope Food Bank. “During the year you get so busy, it’s actually quite nice to be able to come in and help. It’s a great experience and a lot of fun doing it together with our folks.”

Whether it was providing for the needs of the hungry, delivering hot nutritious meals to the elderly, picking up trash around campus or a park, cleaning and repairing a shelter for women and families, or helping to clean up at animal rescue organizations, the Gamecocks were glad to put in a few days of service.

“The community supports us, so it’s important to give back,” said Sand Volleyball Coach Moritz Moritz, who helped haul out more than a ton of old furniture, debris, carpet, and other items from the Hannah House to assist in renovations at the facility. “One of the big things we talk about in our program is perspective and understanding how good most of us have it. Being able to pay it forward in some ways to help others who may not be as fortunate or have different circumstances can give you that perspective.”