UofSC Relief, which formed in October after South Carolina's historic flood, is organizing a donation drive to help flood victims in Louisiana following heavy rainfall and deadly flooding this past weekend.
Nearly 2 feet of rain — and more in some areas — have resulted in 11 deaths and over 20,000 people needing rescue in south Louisiana as of Tuesday afternoon. Baton Rouge, home to LSU and the destination of USC's donations, has seen 19 inches of rain since Friday.
Cory Alpert, a fourth-year sociology student who led UofSC Relief's inception in October, worked with USC's Athletics Department to organize the collection sites.
"We're moving quickly to help them because LSU stepped up in our time of dire need," Alpert said. "Last October, thousands of our friends, family, and neighbors were affected by the flooding here, and LSU did everything they could to make sure we were well provided for."
Donations will be accepted Wednesday through Friday. The collection site schedule is as follows:
Wednesday
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Bi-Lo, 4464 Devine St.
2-7 p.m. — Williams-Brice Stadium
Thursday
9 a.m - 1 p.m. — Bi-Lo, 4464 Devine St.
2-8 p.m. — Rice Athletics Center/Carolina Soccer Center
2-7 p.m. — My Carolina Alumni Association, 900 Senate St.
Friday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Bi-Lo, 4464 Devine St.
The athletics equipment truck will deliver the donations to LSU on Saturday, USC President Harris Pastides tweeted.
Last season's football game against LSU was scheduled to be played at Williams-Brice Stadium, but was moved to LSU after the flood hit. In addition, LSU hosted an auction that raised over $100,000 for flood relief. LSU running back Leonard Fournette's signed jersey, as well as a Gamecocks helmet signed by Steve Spurrier and an LSU helmet signed by Les Miles, were included in the auction.
South Carolina had an estimated 11 trillion gallons of rainfall, resulting in 19 deaths, and 22 counties declared disaster areas across the state. Many people are still struggling to recover from the devastating results of the flood, which damaged an estimated 160,000 homes.
"Our community has faced challenges and overcome them with dignity and renewed strength," Alpert said, "and we want to tap into that spirit of action and service to bring relief to the people of Baton Rouge."
Updates will be announced on UofSC Relief's Twitter account, @UofSCRelief, and Alpert has requested that anyone who wants to help coordinate the effort contact the organization at UofSCRelief@gmail.com.