In a heart‑warming display of community spirit, supporters of BYU and TCU turned a fierce football rivalry into a joint effort to help Fort Worth children improve their reading skills. The nonprofit Literacy United received more than $9,000 in cash donations and roughly 650 books and educational supplies during the weekend surrounding the Oct. 3 game.
Local nonprofit benefits from nationwide generosity
In the days leading up to the game, Literacy United’s shelves filled with Amazon boxes packed with children’s books, learning games and other supplies. Staff worked quickly to make room for the influx, knowing the materials would soon reach families who struggle to afford books and tutoring.
“I have been astounded,” said Kary Johnson, executive director of Literacy United. “I had no clue, and it continues to come in.”
BYU’s Cougs Care leads the charge
Cougs Care, a BYU alumni‑led service group, organized the drive. Unlike many fan gatherings that focus on tailgating, Cougs Care routinely partners with local charities at away games, collecting food, clothing and, this time, books for children.
Jennifer Beech, a Plano pre‑K teacher and BYU education alum, helped coordinate the effort. She researched Fort Worth nonprofits months before the game and chose Literacy United for its school‑based programs and commitment to removing financial barriers for families.
“If we can support literacy growth in the very early ages down to pre‑K, which is what I’m passionate about, you can change lives,” Beech said.
Tailgate turn‑out exceeds expectations
About 4,000 fans attended BYU’s Oct. 2 tailgate at the Josey Ranch Athletic Complex in Carrollton, far surpassing the organizers’ estimate of half that number. A donation station at the entrance allowed fans to drop off books or scan a QR code to purchase items from an Amazon wish list. Online contributions began pouring in even before the tailgate started.
“I didn’t expect that many donations,” said Tyson Oblad, a Dallas immigration lawyer and chair of the Dallas‑Fort Worth BYU alumni chapter. “It was a very surprising weekend.”
TCU fans join the cause
TCU supporters also participated, collecting books at their Oct. 3 tailgate outside Amon G. Carter Stadium. University education leaders from both schools visited Literacy United’s programs, reinforcing the shared mission.
“We’re going to compete on the football field,” said Beech, “but when it gets down to it, we’re all on the same page with supporting children in that community.”
How the donations will be used
Literacy United plans to distribute the books through its Bookworms programs in Fort Worth ISD schools, monthly Saturday literacy events, and community camps serving children with disabilities. Some books will also be included in holiday gift packages for families the nonprofit serves.
Johnson explained that many families lack reliable transportation to public libraries, making home books essential. “If you can’t afford food, if you can’t afford to put gas in the car, you’re certainly not going to go to Target and buy a $20 book,” she said.
The nonprofit distributed about 7,000 books last year and aims for 10,000 this year. The sudden influx of donated materials helps the organization move closer to that goal while allowing more of its funding to support trained literacy specialists who provide direct instruction.
Long‑term partnership possibilities
BYU fans also connected Literacy United with JustServe, a volunteer‑matching platform, opening the door for ongoing assistance beyond the game weekend. Beech hopes local volunteers will stay engaged with the nonprofit long after the football season ends.
“If every football team did that, how cool would that be if that was the norm?” Johnson asked, urging other college programs to adopt similar community‑service models.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
