Re-Light Friday Nights

I grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast. The summer before my senior year we were hit by Hurricane Alicia. I remember the storm, the horrific destruction, and the aftermath with no electricity, no air conditioning, etc. One thing I remember most vividly is the concern that we may not have a football season. To school administrators and the community, getting the schools cleaned and opened was understandably the focus. As kids, we just wanted the reassurance that the activities we loved were going to happen and we were going to be ready.

We are getting students here in Massachusetts to wear these shirts so we can send a message of support and school spirit to students in Texas affected by Harvey. Many of these kids spent several days in shelters, waiting to get back home and see what was left. Many of those kids went back to homes that had been inundated with several feet of dirty flood water. They found athletic equipment, shoes, cleats, and instruments all ruined by the storm.

For those fortunate enough to have flood insurance, replacement or repair will be covered...eventually. Many of these families are not insured. As parents look at trying to replace all of the true necessities and at the costs associated with getting back on their feet, things like cleats and instrument repair can not be high on the list of priorities. For kids looking at going back to school and not having what they need to get back to their "normal" it can make going back to school during this time that much harder.