Letter to the Editor - August 4, 2016

Lowcountry Orphan Relief needs your help!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The Lowcountry is home to numerous non-profits and philanthropies that serve some amazing and important purposes. But maybe you haven’t found just the right one that really speaks to your heart. Here’s an idea for you: Lowcountry Orphan Relief.
Lowcountry Orphan Relief is a non-profit organization that provides goods and services to children who have been abused or neglected. Part of what I love about LOR is that the children are the direct beneficiaries of donated items and volunteer time. An amazing group of staff and volunteers works tirelessly to ensure these children have their basic needs met, regardless of their life circumstances. This place is always busy!
We all know that it “takes a village”. As we look ahead to the new school year, I invite you to become part the village for these children! Here’s how you can help:
FREE
Check your closet and your child’s closet for shoes, clothing and outerwear that are clean and in good condition but no longer being worn. You may even find that gifted item with the tags still on it that you know your child is never going to wear. And yes, there are some adult-sized kids out there too. Any size welcome! You can get your kids involved. Have them help select items they no longer like and drop them into a bag – super easy and you’ll be making space for your own new school clothes.
EASY
Take advantage of those BOGO sales and the upcoming tax-free weekend. Keep one item for your child, donate the other! No matter how big or small, every item is important and will be deeply appreciated. Don’t feel like doing any shopping? Gift cards to places like Target and Walmart are a huge help too!
GO TEAM!
Partner with another family, the folks in your Sunday school class or weekend social group to really go all out. Each family could pitch-in an item or two to provide everything a child might need for a week of school. Backpack, school supplies, a week’s worth of uniforms (navy or white polo tops, khaki or navy blue bottoms), a pack of new underwear, a pack of new socks and a pair of sneakers. Can you imagine the love a child would feel to receive all of this and know that it was selected especially for him or her? Wow – what a difference you could make to that kiddo’s confidence!
Donations can be dropped off at any one of the four Tidelands Bank branches in the area or at the home of a Neighborhood Captain. There are three Neighborhood Captains on Daniel Island and more than 20 in Mt. Pleasant! What could be easier? Check the LOR website for drop off location details at http://lowcountryorphanrelief.org/donate/ .
What does LOR need for these kids?
• School supplies – folders, paper, binders, pens/pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, composition books, gender neutral backpacks, etc.
• Uniforms – all sizes (navy blue or white polo tops, khaki or navy blue bottoms)
• Socks – new only, all sizes
• Underwear – new only, all sizes
• Any other shoes, clothing or outerwear – new or gently used and in good condition
No toys please.
VOLUNTEER
So you’re the type who would rather give of your time and energy? Great! LOR needs that too! Check out their website at lowcountryorphanrelief.org or call 843-747-4099 for opportunities. There’s always work to be done at the distribution center (just over the bridge in the old Navy yard) or at various events hosted by LOR throughout the year.
However you choose to help, thank you! Every item donated, every dollar given and every minute volunteered is blessing… to the giver and the receiver!
Audra Raus
LOR Neighborhood Captain
Daniel Island