Fireflies raising money to help S.C. veterans

The Columbia Fireflies baseball team is helping to raise money for South Carolina veterans dealing with medical debt.

The Fireflies will auction uniforms from their July 4 game against Greenville at Spirit Communications Park. The red, white and blue jerseys were originally worn June 5 to celebrate Fort Jackson. All proceeds will be given to RIP Medical Debt, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity that locates, purchases and forgives unpaid and unpayable medical debt.

“Every American can appreciate the sacrifices our military heroes have made, and now we have an opportunity to pay it forward,” Fireflies team president John Katz said in a news release.

The charity identifies medical debt for veterans who make less than twice the federal poverty level, who have a debt that is 5% or more of their annual income or who are insolvent.

According to the release, South Carolina has more than 700 military families who owe a combined $800,000 in medical debt.

The Fireflies will also conduct a text donation campaign Wednesday through Monday. Fans can text Fireflies to 50155 and enter a donation amount.