Last year, BYU alumni, fans, friends and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more than 40,000 pounds of food to the local St. James Missionary Baptist Church before the BYU football game at the University of Arkansas. Similar service projects took place at each away game throughout the season, with fans donating thousands of pounds of food, toys and books to local charities.

The tradition will continue for a third year in 2024, as local alumni chapters have organized pre-game “Cougs Care” tailgate parties featuring service projects for local nonprofits beginning with the game at SMU on Sept. 6.

“For years, we have seen BYU alumni make a difference wherever they live around the world,” said Michael Johanson, executive director of the Alumni Association. “The Cougs Care projects allow our alumni, fans and friends to support the team on the road and work together to make a lasting impact in local communities.”

This season’s projects benefit local food banks, expand literacy efforts and help those with developmental disabilities. Fans attending a BYU away game are encouraged to stop by the BYU Alumni Tailgate Party before the game to donate to these worthy causes. Detailed information on each Cougs Care project can be found below and on the BYU Alumni Website. (Please check back later for updates as details become available).

For those who cannot attend the Games, a link may also be available to support the projects digitally. Follow BYU Alumni on Instagram for updates on participation.

Game: BYU @ SMU; September 6, 6:00 p.m. CDT
Tailgate Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT
Location: 5800 Bush Avenue, Dallas, TX

Fans are invited to bring a variety of art materials to the tailgate party to be donated to Caring Pathways of Carrollton, a nonprofit organization that provides a daily integrated program for underserved adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Click here Here for a complete list of items required.

Game: BYU @ Wyoming; September 14, 7:00 MDT
Tailgate time: 4-6 p.m. MDT
Location: 1065 North 15^th Road, Laramie, WY

Bring non-perishable food and toiletries to the tailgate. Donations will benefit the UW Food Share Pantry, an organization on campus that ensures every student is fed. Specific items requested include: dry food, canned food, soap, deodorant, baby diapers and wipes, baby formula.

Game: BYU @ Baylor; September 28, time to be announced
Tailgate time: TBA
Location: University High School, 3201 S New Rd, Waco, TX

Fans can bring canned or packaged food to donate at the tailgate. All donations will benefit Caritas of Waco, an organization that fights food insecurity and poverty in the Waco area.

Game: BYU @ UCF, Oct. 26, time to be announced
Tailgate time: TBA
Location: 3200 Lockwood Blvd, Oviedo, FL

Fans are invited to donate non-perishable food items at the tailgate. Donations will benefit the Knight’s Pantry, an organization that provides basic necessities to UCF students. Click here Here to see a list of the most requested items.

Game: BYU @ Utah, November 9, time to be announced
Tailgate time: TBA
Location: Stilwell Field, Salt Lake City, Utah

Fans can donate non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Utah Food Bank and distributed throughout the state.

Game: BYU @ Arizona State, November 23, time to be announced
Tailgate time: TBA
Location: ASU Institute Building, 1000 S McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ

A joint collaboration between the BYU Alumni Association Arizona chapters, Just Serve of Arizona, LDSSA of ASU, the McKay School of Education at BYU, and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at ASU to support the ASU America Reads Program and local food banks. Fans are invited to bring books and nonperishable foods to the tailgate party.