Each year, Coastal Carolina University (CCU) student-athletes read to kindergarten students across Horry County to teach them a cycle of caring. This program shows the children the importance of early childhood literacy and volunteerism.

Caring for Kindergartners was launched in 2003 by CCU and then Head Football Coach David Bennett. The event was used as a community service project for the CCU football team, where 45 players and coaches descended on area schools to read “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and help students make cards for seniors placed into UWHC’s “Make Someone’s May Day” baskets. Caring for Kindergarten still takes, and now athletes from all 19 varsity sports at CCU participate.

This year’s event will be held on February 27, 2025 and is proudly sponsored by HTC. Almost 100 CCU student-athletes will visit several kindergarten classrooms throughout the county to , the athletes will be reading Froggy Plays Soccer by Jonathan London, a fun and engaging Scholastic book that emphasizes teamwork, persistence, and sportsmanship.

Check out some pictures from 2024’s Caring for Kindergarteners event!