Panthers donate thousands to area schools in Hurricane Matthew’s wake

Representing the sister states in name and deed, the Carolina Panthers’ charity organization is doling out $250,000 to schools in North and South Carolina following Hurricane Matthew.

Twenty-three schools in the Carolinas were selected, seven of which are located on the Grand Strand. Among those chosen were Aynor, Conway, Green Sea Floyds, Loris, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and St. James.

“Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath was catastrophic for many communities across the region with many high schools sustaining loss or damage to athletic equipment or facilities,” said Carolina Panthers director of community relations Riley Fields. “The Carolina Panthers hope this grant funding will enable schools and the communities they serve to return to a sense of normalcy by helping fund critical repairs and equipment and infrastructure replacement for high school athletic programs.”

Skirting the coast of the southeastern U.S., the storm left downed trees and power lines, along with a significant amount of rainfall causing area bodies of water to overflow.

To assist with the replacement of equipment, supplies or athletic infrastructure lost, Carolina Panthers Charities has awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 based on greatest need.

Also excited about the donation were members of the S.C. High School League (SCHSL), thanking the football club again for assisting state schools in a time of need.

“This is a welcomed announcement, as the Carolina Panthers are no stranger to giving to South Carolina schools and SCHSL athletic programs,” said SCHSL commissioner Jerome Singleton in a prepared statement. “It was just one year ago they jumped in with one question, ‘How can we help?,’ when the flood waters devastated much of our state and damaging many school athletic facilities and programs.

“The Panthers organization did not hesitate once again to assist our schools after Hurricane Matthew. … You are a prime example of character, sportsmanship and leadership.”

This story was originally published December 6, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Panthers donate thousands to area schools in Hurricane Matthew’s wake."