When South Carolina dealt with major flooding across the state last fall, it was LSU who came to the rescue. Now it's the University of South Carolina's turn to return the favor.
In response to the recent flooding that has affected Baton Rouge and the LSU community, South Carolina is organizing a collection of items at different spots campus this week, and those items will then be sent to the flood victims in Louisiana.
"LSU was so gracious to assist us in our time of need," South Carolina president Harris Pastides said in a statement. "Now it is our turn to help our SEC friends. I encourage all Gamecocks to drop off items needed for the Baton Rouge flood relief."
According to the release, the items in need from the Baton Rouge community include baby and adult diapers, baby formula, canned foods (with pop tops), foods in plastic containers such as peanut butter and jelly, individually packaged crackers, snacks and breakfast bars, multi-packaged cereal, new and unopened socks, underwear, towels, and blankets.
"I would like to encourage everyone to donate to help our friends in the Baton Rouge area that need our assistance," South Carolina athletics director Ray Tanner said.
In October 2015, South Carolina was scheduled to host LSU in a cross-division matchup, but because of flooding across the state, the game was played at LSU's Tiger Stadium. All net proceeds from the game were then given to South Carolina.
After the game, LSU running back Leonard Fournette auctioned off his autographed, game-worn jersey to help raise money for flood relief efforts in South Carolina.
"I want to send my prayers, condolences and empathy to the people of South Carolina," Fournette said after the game. "What they are going through reminds me of what we went through, my people in New Orleans, Louisiana, went through 10 years ago with Hurricane Katrina. We played a game today, but the people in South Carolina right now are in need."
The winning bid for the package that included Fournette's jersey was $101,000.