For our Caring for Kids program, our Chapter served the Sumter, South Carolina by donating book bags to students at a community forum with HYPE, which stands for “Helping Youth Pursue Excellence,”

The HYPE program serves 40-50 students and families every day with critical meals for students including breakfast and lunch from the  Sumter school district. The program is continuing to serve children in kindergarten through eight grade, including older siblings and participants families. HYPE was especially helpful to working parents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Barney Gadson, HYPE’s program leader, “as long as we can and there’s a need, we’ll continue to do it, he said.

Barney Gadson standing with Dexter W.J. Davis, SC NFL Alumni Chapter President.

Barney Gadson standing with Dexter’s Mom, Mary Jackson, who assists in the HYPE after school program.

Cleveland Pinckey, former NFL player, Sumter native, and graduate of the University of South Carolina, along with Joe Brown, SC NFL Alumni, Director of Event Security with Bates Middle School staffer.