Brigham Young University football fans will again combine their game day traditions with community involvement at each away game this season by getting involved in the “Cougs Care” charitable projects.

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, when local alumni chapters will host pregame “Cougs Care” parties featuring service projects for local nonprofits, beginning with the game at Southern Methodist University on Sept. 6.

“For years, we have seen BYU alumni make a difference around the world wherever they live,” said Michael Johanson, executive director of the BYU 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 before the game to donate to these causes. Detailed information on each Cougs Care project can be found below and on the BYU Alumni webpage.

For those unable to attend the games, a link may also be available to support the projects digitally. Follow BYU Alumni on Instagram for updates on how you can get involved.

Game: BYU at SMU; September 6, 6 p.m. CDT

Time for the tailgate: 3pm-5pm CDT

Location: 5800 Bush Ave., Dallas, Texas

Fans are invited to bring a variety of art supplies to the tailgate party, which will be donated to Caring Pathways of Carrollton, a nonprofit organization that provides a daily integrated program for underserved adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. For a full list of items needed, visit https://tinyurl.com/56hrwcy2.

Game: BYU at Wyoming; September 14, 7 p.m. MDT

Time for the tailgate: 4-6pm MDT

Location: 1065 North 15th St., Laramie, Wyo

Bring non-perishable food and hygiene items 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, and baby formula.

Game: BYU at Baylor; September 28, time to be announced

Time for the tailgate: To be announced

Location: University High School, 3201 S. New Road, Waco, Texas

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 at UCF, October 26, time to be announced

Time for the tailgate: To be announced

Location: 3200 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo, Florida

Fans are invited to donate non-perishable food items at the tailgate. Donations will benefit the Knight’s Pantry, an organization that supports UCF students and provides basic needs. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2c29erb7 to see a list of the most requested items.

Game: BYU in Utah, November 9, time to be announced

Time for the tailgate: To be announced

Location: Stilwell Field, Salt Lake City

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

Game: BYU at Arizona State, November 23, time to be announced

Time for the tailgate: To be announced

Location: ASU Institute Building, 1000 S. McAllister Ave., Tempe, Arizona

A joint collaboration between the BYU Alumni Association’s 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.

Tyler Stahle is the media manager for BYU.

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