Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to benefit good causes. Although we should be mindful that people need help year-round, the holiday season is one of the busiest times for giving, whether that be via donations or gifts to nonprofits.
In Mount Pleasant, there are many in need who could use your help. Instead of giving or accepting gifts, why not focus on these different charities that are making an impact in our communities? The following is a list of several area nonprofits that are assisting and supporting the less fortunate in our community in various ways.
DEE NORTON CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
The mission of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is to lead and coordinate a child-focused, community-wide response to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families. They have two locations, one in downtown Charleston and the other in Mount Pleasant. Dee Norton has a long history of advocating for children who are victims of abuse. The model was established to coordinate a better community response to a child and a family where abuse is concerned. They work with law enforcement, social services, the solicitor’s office, mental health organizations and the medical community. Dee Norton’s organization depends on donations, and only through the generosity of the community and grants can this advocacy center provide all the necessary services for kids and their families to find hope and healing. To learn more or get involved, visit deenortoncenter.org or call 843-723-3600.
EAST COOPER MEALS ON WHEELS
East Cooper Meals on Wheels (ECMOW) provides meals within the five major zip codes of East Cooper: 29464, 29466, 29492, 29451 and 29482. ECMOW is privately funded, raising money from the community. They feed anyone who is homebound and can’t prepare a meal. This pioneering enterprise offers services to everyone from young adults in their 20s who have been impacted by a car accident, to the elderly population in need of elder care. ECMOW feeds at least 250 households per week, providing food and nutritional drinks. They deliver meals Monday through Friday, and even have a breakfast program, which also delivers fresh fruit. If you are in need, visit them at ecmow.org or call 843-881-9350.
EAST COOPER COMMUNITY OUTREACH
East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has been helping Mount Pleasant residents since Hurricane Hugo. Their mission is to stabilize local families that struggle to make ends meet. They provide healthcare and dental services, and even offer support with providing necessary alimentation to those in need. They are there for families with limited resources, often functioning as a haven for single mothers. Last year, ECCO provided care to 1% of Mount Pleasant’s population and served at least 800 children. To learn more or get involved, visit eccocharleston.org or call 843-849-9220.
EAST COOPER FAITH NETWORK
This Mount Pleasant-based nonprofit provides two programs to the community. Fix-It! is an essential home repair program for East Cooper homeowners living in ill-fit conditions. Volunteers help with repairs relating to safety, health and accessibility. I-Beam is a reading and mentoring program supporting students in East Cooper elementary schools. Students who are nominated receive additional support in reading and mentoring, attending weekly meet-ups with their mentors. The goals are to improve literacy, foster a love of reading and build confidence and communication skills in a positive setting with an encouraging adult. To learn more or get involved, visit ecfaithnetwork.org or call 843-972-7566.
RAISING UP THE LOWCOUNTRY FOUNDATION
Frances Scott has created a foundation geared towards helping single, working moms within the community. As a single mother herself, Scott raised two boys who have gone on to invest back in the community: Ben Scott, a retired Army command sergeant major with 32 years of service and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
Raising Up the Lowcountry Foundation focuses on building up the single mother, helping better equip her to serve her children’s future. It provides financial literacy classes, vision board classes, goal-setting classes, personal development, back-to-school bookbag giveaways and more. They also partner with other nonprofits to facilitate those in need with finding a place to live, along with support for paying rent, mortgage and utilities. To learn more or get involved, visit raisingupthelowcountry.org or info@raisingupthelowcountry.org.
MY SISTER’S HOUSE
My Sister’s House is the Lowcountry’s leading nonprofit provider of free domestic violence survival and recovery services, community outreach and public education initiatives. This was made possible in part by the generous support of MSH Community Impact Sponsor Atlantic Packaging and meaningful contributions from community members. To learn more or get involved, visit mysistershouse.org or call 800-273-HOPE (4673).
These and other nonprofits are in need year-round, not just during the holiday season. It’s a wonderful idea to check in with your favorite nonprofits every quarter. Troubles don’t simply cease to exist when the holidays pass; charitable contributions are always in demand, especially during slower months. As a community, it’s important for us to do our part to support each other.
By Maurice J. Frazier
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