NEWBERRY — The Newberry County community is working to help those who are in need due to the flooding in Houston by sending T-shirts and other clothing items.

The idea to collect these items came from the head basketball coach and head baseball coach at the University of Houston.

Coach Kelvin Sampson, head basketball coach at the University of Houston, first posted the call for donations.

“I have had so many of my friends in the coaching profession text and call offering prayers and thoughts for all Houstonians. They all ask what can we do to help. Well, I came up with something I think coaches at all levels can help with….Both men’s and women’s HS, JC, every level of college D1, D2, D3 and NAIA…if you can please send 20 of your schools t-shirts and 10 pair of shoes,” Sampson said via a Twitter post. “For those that can’t send this request, please send whatever you can. All of our hearts go out to those in need during these devastating times.”

Coach Todd Whitting, the university’s head baseball coach, followed soon after.

“Our head men’s basketball coach here at the University of Houston and my good friend has started a wonderful initiative in regards to helping those in desperate need as a result of the flooding in Houston. I would like to join in and ask all of our friends in baseball – across the nation and at all levels – to help. If possible, please send 20 of your program’s shirts and 10 pairs of shoes,” Whitting said via Twitter. “Please send what you can. Our team will make sure these items are delivered to those in need. Thanks to all of the coaches around the nation who have touched base with me to check on our families and our great city of Houston.”

Newberry County took this challenge and gave.

Support came from the City of Newberry and the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department, Newberry High School, Mid-Carolina High School, Whitmire Community School, the entire Newberry College campus community, the Newberry County Coalition on Underage Drinking, Westview Behavioral Health Services and private individuals.

Donations included not only the requested shirts, but also other clothing items like shorts, undershirts and socks. The collected items were sent to help those affected by the flooding, with over 1,000 shirts donated.

Newberry College students help sort through donations made to help those in Houston. Pictured are Gabrielle Bazemore, Chantel Gauthier, Philip Taylor, Cole Riddlehoover, Farai Kawonde and Jonathan Elicier.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_DSC_0874.jpgNewberry College students help sort through donations made to help those in Houston. Pictured are Gabrielle Bazemore, Chantel Gauthier, Philip Taylor, Cole Riddlehoover, Farai Kawonde and Jonathan Elicier. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

Newberry College students work together to gather the boxes of donations that members of the Newberry County community gave.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_DSC_0867.jpgNewberry College students work together to gather the boxes of donations that members of the Newberry County community gave. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer
Community answers Twitter call for help

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@s24514.p831.sites.pressdns.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.