Before Hurricane Harvey was departing the Houston, Texas area, University of Houston Men’s Basketball Coach Kelvin Sampson sent out a tweet asking for other university athletic programs to consider sending some of their athletic tee shirts and sneakers to him, for distribution in the relief effort to Houston residents. Within hours, Coach Sampson was receiving messages from other coaches saying the athletic clothing was on its way.
“I have had so many friends in the coaching profession text and call offering prayers and thoughts for all Houstonians. They ask what can we do?” explained Coach Sampson. “Well, I came up with an idea I think coaches at all levels can help with. Please send 20 (or more) school tee shirts and 10 pairs of athletic shoes. Those who can’t send this request, send whatever you can! We will get everything you send to the right relief agencies to be distributed. Thank you and God Bless you all. Please keep Houston in your prayers.”
When Western New England University Athletic Director Joseph Sassi got the word, he asked his staff to mobilize. “It’s a privilege to have this opportunity to help in the relief effort,” said Sassi. “Our coaches, trainers, and staff gathered together three large boxes of tee shirts and some athletic shoes. They should arrive in a few days. Coach Sampson’s leadership got us all working as a team to assist in this disaster.”
