Giving Back on Thanksgiving in Charleston

Every year around this time families gather around dinner tables full of delicious food to celebrate Thanksgiving in Charleston. No matter how tough life has been, Thanksgiving represents a time to reflect on all of the good things that have happened in your life and to give thanks for those things through a celebration with your closest friends and family. However, for those who are less fortunate, Thanksgiving is not a celebration, but a luxury that is out of reach.

Especially after the historical flooding earlier this year in South Carolina, even more people are having trouble making ends meet. Thanksgiving in Charleston can be different for those in need with simple contributions from Lowcountry neighbors like you. There are multiple ways that you can help make a world of difference for those less fortunate, but also for those who are away from their families serving in the military. Here’s how you can spread the warmth during this Thanksgiving in Charleston.

Local and National Organizations Helping on Thanksgiving

One80 Place Contributions – One80 Place is a shelter and kitchen in downtown Charleston that also provides supportive services to help the homeless and veterans turn their lives around. They also operate a family center that is dedicated to women and children who are less fortunate. This week they are encouraging donations to their “Turkey and $20” drive which will go towards a special Thanksgiving meal. You can volunteer, give monetary donations or sponsor a meal for someone in need. Visit this link to help: Donate or volunteer.

Charleston Basket Brigade – Close friends Michelle Scarafile and Pam Hartley began The Charleston Basket Brigade in 2008 with a commitment to bring the community together to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need in Charleston, SC. Every single penny that is raised goes towards purchasing food. $30 feeds a family of six which includes a 12-13 lb turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, a pumpkin or apple pie, fresh rolls and butter.

Adopt A US Soldier – Adopt A US Soldier is active in over 170+ countries/ territories/ independent states with over 1,000,000 active volunteers supporting our troops by adopting a soldier. It is very easy to do and more rewarding than you can imagine, and you will show a soldier that you support them and cherish your freedom. Or you can make a monetary donation here: Adopt a soldier donations.

Donate to the Lowcountry Food Bank – The Lowcountry Food Bank was founded in 1983 as a clearinghouse for donated food items through the generosity of both the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina and Trident United Way. Their vision is to end hunger in coastal South Carolina. They work with nearly 300 partner feeding agencies to distribute more than 23 million pounds of food to 200,000 families, children and seniors each year. A 1$ donation can provide up to 6 meals for those in need.

#GivingTuesday by East Cooper Community Outreach – Financial support is another way to help ECCO in this season of giving and remains our greatest need. December 1st is #GivingTuesday! A national post-Thanksgiving movement to encourage local philanthropy by making an online donation, Giving Tuesday follows in the tradition of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Donate here.

#GiveWithMeaning by The American Red Cross – There’s also a big act of service in donating blood or platelets. When you come to donate at a Red Cross blood drive from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, you’ll receive recipes, courtesy of John Besh, Richard Blais, Rocco DiSpirito, Mike Isabella, Ellie Krieger and Ali Larter, along with a limited-edition holiday serving spoon (while supplies last). Your donation and gift of time means so much to so many this holiday season. Book your appointment by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). – See more at: 10 days of giving back.