BYU football fans will continue combining game day traditions with community impact through ‘Cougs Care’ service projects at every road game this season.
Last year, prior to the BYU football game at the University of Arkansas, BYU alums, fans, friends and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more than 40,000 pounds of food to the local St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Similar service projects took place at each road game throughout the season as fans donated thousands of pounds of food, toys, and books to local charities.
The tradition continues in 2024 for the third year, as local alumni chapters have organized “Cougs Care” pregame tailgates featuring service projects for local nonprofits, beginning with the game at SMU on September 6.
“For years we’ve seen BYU alumni around the globe making an impact wherever they live,” said Michael Johanson, Alumni Association executive director. “Cougs Care projects allow our alumni, fans and friends to support the team on the road and come together to make a lasting impact in local communities.”
This season’s projects will benefit local food banks, expand literacy efforts, and serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Fans attending any BYU road game are encouraged to stop by the BYU Alumni pre-game tailgate to contribute to these worthwhile causes. Detailed information regarding each Cougs Care project is available below and on the BYU Alumni web page. (Please check back for updates as details become available).
For those unable to attend the games, a link to support the projects digitally may also be available. Follow BYU Alumni on Instagram for updates on how to get involved.
Game: BYU @ SMU; Sept. 6, 6:00 PM CDT
Tailgate time: 3-5 PM CDT
Location: 5800 Bush Avenue, Dallas, TX
Fans are invited to bring various art supplies to the tailgate to be donated to Caring Pathways of Carrollton; a nonprofit organization offering a daily integrated program for underserved adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Click here for a complete list of items in need.
Game: BYU @ Wyoming; Sept. 14, 7:00 MDT
Tailgate time: 4-6 PM MDT
Location: 1065 North 15th Street, Laramie, WY
Bring non-perishable food and hygiene items to the tailgate. Donations will benefit the UW Food Share Pantry, an on-campus organization ensuring every student is nourished. Specific items that have been requested include: dried food, canned food, soap, deodorant, baby diapers and wipes, baby formula.
Game: BYU @ Baylor; Sept. 28, 11:00 CT
Tailgate time: 8-10 AM CT
Location: University High School, 3201 S New Rd, Waco, TX
Fans can bring canned or boxed food to donate at the tailgate. All donations will benefit The Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry, which "ministers to the needs of the hungry and hurting, to the extent that lives will be changed and people will learn, in practical ways, the love of God."
Game: BYU @ UCF, Oct. 26, 3:30 PM ET
Tailgate time: 12:30-2:30 PM ET
Location: 3200 Lockwood Blvd, Oviedo, FL
Fans are invited to donate non-perishable goods at the tailgate. Donations will benefit the Knight’s Pantry, an organization serving UCF students by providing basic needs. Click here to view a list of items of most demand.
Game: BYU @ Utah, Nov. 9, 8:15 PM MT
In the week leading up to the BYU–Utah football game, BYU and the University of Utah are conducting a food drive to benefit Utah families.
Food Donations: Fans can donate nonperishable food donations at 10 Smith’s locations from Bountiful to Springville. Donations will support Utah’s two largest food banks: The Utah Food Bank and Community Action Services and Food Bank.
Monetary Donations: Monetary donations are also helpful and can be given online at utahfoodbank.org or communityactionprovo.org.
Utah County Smith’s Locations
- 1550 E. 3500 N., Lehi
- 210 E. 700 S., Pleasant Grove
- 45 S. State St., Orem
- 350 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo
- 1117 W. 400 S., Springville
Game: BYU @ Arizona State, Nov. 23, 1:30 PM
Tailgate time: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: ASU Institute Building, 1000 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ
A joint collaboration between the BYU Alumni Association chapters in Arizona, Just Serve of Arizona, LDSSA of ASU, the McKay School of Education at BYU and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU to support the ASU America Reads Program and local food pantries. Fans are invited to bring books and non-perishable food goods to the tailgate.
Valero Alamo Bowl: BYU vs Colorado, Dec. 28, 6:30 PM CT
Tailgate time: 2-5 PM CT
Location: 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way San Antonio, TX 78205
Fans are invited to bring diapers and new underwear for men, women, and children to donate to Haven for Hope, an organization that provides “impactful care” for people experiencing homelessness in the community. Fans can also donate through this Amazon Wish List.
