CMS Sends Aid to Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

CLAREMONT, Calif. – In the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey over the past 10 days the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics Department wants to help. Headed up by Equipment Manager Brian Smith, the Stags and Athenas are sending 400 pieces of apparel to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

With tens of thousands of people displaced from their homes there is a need for those around the country to step-up and help.

"As leaders we felt it was an important opportunity for us to extend our support to those outside of our community and help people in need," said Director of Athletics Terry Tumey. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by this terrible tragedy."

Over the past week, Equipment Manager Brian Smith and his staff have been packing boxes and preparing to ship a little piece of Claremont to those in need on the gulf coast.

"I always thought of the equipment manager profession as caretakers, we take care of the student-athletes, staff, and coaches every day," said Smith of his role in the department. "So when one of our colleagues at the University of Houston made the call to other equipment rooms saying, 'We need help taking care of people.' It was a no-brainer that we would help out."

While the City of Houston and surrounding communities rebuild their homes and lives there are great organizations providing aid to those in need, particularly in the form of food and water. "Where we can help is in clean clothes," said Smith. "As you break it down you think of clean clothes as a basic necessity, but people don't have clean clothes right now."

The boxes of clothes are heading out first thing Tuesday morning to the University of Houston Equipment Room for distribution to those in need around the community. CMS is just one of a long list of departments around the country that are putting together donations for Houston.

"We're taking care of people, just like we normally do every day," said Smith of the donation efforts. "It's just on a larger scale."

To follow the efforts of the University of Houston Equipment Room check them out on Twitter at @UHEquipment

#HoustonStrong