COLUMBIA, South Carolina (WIS) – At least 10 University of South Carolina (USC) football players worked in the kitchen of a homeless shelter Thursday night.
The Oliver Gospel Mission is a 134-year-old faith-based shelter on Taylor Street that seeks to transform the lives of homeless men and women.
The nonprofit feeds 150 people every day, and Thursday was no exception.
“Tonight we are working together … and that is what makes this community exciting. please,” said Travis McNeil, executive director of Oliver Gospel.
McNeill played the piano, and Gamecocks worked with former shelter residents to distribute food to the underprivileged.
Alex “Boogie” Huntley, defensive lineman for the USC football team, said:
Huntley volunteered alongside his Gamecock brothers to provide food to the community and distribute stocking stuffers and gifts donated by donors.
The people there were not only grateful for the town they called home, they were also proud of it.
“I love the Carolina Gamecocks. I love them…that’s my team,” said Jeremiah Thomas, a frequent visitor to Oliver Gospel.
Thompson has lived in Columbia all her life and admires Oliver Gospel’s commitment to homeless people. The 62-year-old considers his Gamecock an extension of Oliver’s gospel and his family.
“Clemson is cool, but they’re not my team. I’m with the Carolina Gamecocks… they’re my family, honestly, because I love Columbia. Columbia is my city.”
WIS spoke to Oliver Gospel’s guest, who is equally proud of his home team.
“I love Gamecocks. I’ve been a Gamecocks fan since 2005,” said James Nabors, a Connecticut native who moved to the Midlands 17 years ago.
Nabors recognized some of Thursday’s volunteers on television and personally delivered the following message: “Thank you for beating Clemson”
The Oliver Gospel Mission is asking for your help to continue the program. You can donate here.
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