In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, USF launched a campaign to raise money for students still recovering from the storm.

The “Tampa Bay Strong” initiative was created with Follett Higher Education Group, a company that manages USF’s campus bookstores, to design a unique T-shirt available in stores.

The special edition $25 tee is available online, but has not made it to the Bookstore floor for in-person purchases at any of the three campuses.

Christine Andrewski, a market leader at Follett Bookstore, said the shirts are not available in-store yet because online sales are exceeding anticipated quantities. 

“We’re encouraging folks to pre-order on the website,” Andrewski said. “If they’d like to pick up at the store when they arrive, they’ll be notified when it’s ready for pickup and even get to select which store they prefer.”

The sales will endow the United Support Fund, created under the USF Foundation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains available to any student going through unanticipated financial hardship, according to the foundation’s website.

Related: A guide to USF’s post-hurricane resources

Through the fund, USF has already given emergency financial aid to over 250 students, USF President Rhea Law wrote in a newsletter.

“Although we have resumed normal class schedules and business operations across all campuses, we are still working to support our students, faculty and staff who face significant challenges from the storms,” Law said.

The fund provides financial support to students for basic necessities, like food, toiletries and rent, according to the website.

A committee reviews each application and awards funds directly to students, said Beth Corbin, the administrative specialist in the Office of Donor Relations.

Students are only eligible to receive aid once. They can receive up to $1,500 worth of funds, according to the Office of Financial Aid’s FAQ.

Some instances under which an application would be approved include being displaced due to the hurricane, loss of transportation, additional expenses for food due to power outages or loss of school supplies or personal computer, according to the FAQ. 

Related: USF experts say students need mental health support post-Milton

The tees are white with a green “Tampa Bay Strong” slogan, an outline of Florida and the Bulls logo.

Hughes would not say how long the shirts will be available for.

Pre-orders for the “Tampa Bay Strong” T-shirts began on Oct. 19 at the USF football game against UAB. Students could scan QR codes displayed on the video boards to make a purchase easily.

Within the first five days of sales, the Bookstore sold over 100 shirts.

Tatiana Saavedra, student marketing director at the Tampa campus Bookstore, said they are working with Follett to ensure they will have enough shirts on the floor.

“I think it’s going to be really helpful,” Saavedra said. “Especially considering how much the St. Pete area was affected…being there last weekend, even now it’s still pretty bad.”

Saavedra is waiting to order her shirt until she sees it in person at the Bookstore. She said her friends have pre-ordered shirts to show their support. 

Saavedra said she believes it is a very valuable way to help “fellow students” who were affected by the hurricane.

“Students come to get USF merch, and it’s a great way to spread awareness,” Saveedra said.