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 Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 86 CCU student-athletes will visit several kindergarten classrooms throughout Horry County to read The Couch Potato by Jory John and Pete Oswald. This book is witty and charming yet carries an important lesson about the overuse of technology as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root of true happiness.

Check out some pictures from 2023’s Caring for Kindergarteners event!