Grand Rapids Community College Athletics and the Exercise Science departments are teaming up to collect collect t-shirts, uniforms, and other items to send to the University of Houston to help people displaced and in need following Hurricane Harvey.
On August 25, Hurricane Harvey hit the state of Texas hard with devastating storms and non-stop rainfall, leaving thousands flooded out of their homes. Following the storm, professional athletes, celebrities, non-profits, and other organizations around the world have started a Harvey Relief donation movement sending money, bottled water, toiletries, and other supplies to the people of Texas.
According to GRCC’s athletic director Billy Firn, the two GRCC departments are responding to a tweet made by Houston’s head basketball coach, Kelvin Sampson. In the tweet, he asked for colleges around the country to donate shirts and other items for victims of the devastation in Texas.
“I thought it would be cool to try and involve more departments other than our own,” Firn said.
Jodi Gee from the Exercise Science department agrees with Firn.
“We just want to do anything we can to help,” Gee said. “When I heard that the University of Houston football and basketball programs were asking colleges if they have any extra sports or department t-shirts or anything that they could donate , I knew we could round up some things at GRCC. We also have some students who are donating old uniforms and shirts, it’s awesome that we get to team up with our students and give to another college in need.”
To contribute to the GRCC’s athletics and Exercise Science donation partnership, send all items to the office of Athletic Director Billy Firn, room 211 in the Ford Fieldhouse. All items must be gathered by Sept. 6 so they can be shipped to the University of Houston Sept. 7.
