Christmas in Summer: The Brasley Foundation Delivers Big at Eau Claire High
- CUBNSC
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
By Javar Juarez | Columbia Urban Broadcast Network (CUBNSC)
It may not be snowing in Columbia, South Carolina—despite being days away from the official start of summer—but this past weekend, the spirit of Christmas came early for residents of the 29203 community. Hosted at Eau Claire High School, home of the Shamrocks, the event was the vision of legendary stylist and proud Shamrock alumnus, Roger Brasley, who leads the transformative Brasley Foundation.
Brasley Foundation: A Holiday Gift in the Heat
By 8:00 a.m., the doors opened wide, revealing a warehouse-sized wonderland of swimwear, household essentials, baby formula, hygiene products, books, and more. CUBNSC arrived early, only to find a line already wrapped through the parking lot—proof of the need and the impact this event continues to have.
Volunteers, including seniors, students, and local neighbors, worked tirelessly in the early morning hours to sort and organize the massive inventory. With supplies filling hallways and classrooms, it looked like a semi-truck had offloaded an entire department store inside Eau Claire.
From the Man Himself: Roger Brasley Speaks
We caught up with Roger Brasley, who was busy directing traffic, sweating through logistics, and personally greeting families:
“I purchased the items myself. This is about giving back,” Brasley said. “We do this five times a year, but this summer giveaway is special. Kids are out of school, families are under pressure. This is about us taking care of us. If we don’t do it, who will?”
Brasley, whose Brasley Foundation has served Columbia since 2009, emphasized the importance of giving intentionally, especially in neighborhoods like 29203 where access to high-quality, brand-name necessities can be a rarity.
“This is my alma mater. I’m a proud Shamrock, and I’ll always give back to my people—but really, this is for everybody. We’re here to bless everyone.”
A Community United
Families with small children were especially thrilled with the designated spaces that catered to infants and toddlers, offering not only supplies but also a moment of dignity and joy. Many parents described the event as a “godsend”—particularly those facing economic hardship or preparing for the record-high temperatures forecasted in the coming weeks.
One attendee remarked, “We got the call through the neighborhood and we knew—we had to get to Eau Claire.”
From baby bottles to bathing suits, the Brasley Foundation had truly thought of everything.
Still Giving
As of Sunday, supplies were still available through the foundation, continuing to meet the needs of families throughout the Midlands. The event served as a testament to what happens when intentional leadership meets community care—no red tape, no hoops, just heart.
For more information or to support upcoming giveaways, visit:
#ChristmasInSummer #TheBrasleyFoundation #CUBNSC #ColumbiaSC #29203Pride #CommunityCare #EauClaireHigh #GiveBack #ShamrockStrong
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