North Charleston, South Carolina. The Trident United Way has been serving the Lowcountry through its Day of Caring program for the past 25 years.
However, due to the event’s importance and emotion, a “S” was added to the word “Day.” The endeavor to collaborate with local NGOs has now been underway for three days.
“This was a one-day event that we used to hold in September,” explained Brooke Chhina of Trident United Way.
This week in November, the group and over 1,500 volunteers serve more than 65 non-profits.
While visiting the Lowcountry Food Bank on Thursday, Chhina referred to the volunteers from InterTech Group as the “heroes of the day.” “These are truly the shining stars.”
“So I have rubber gloves on my hands and am trying to keep germs out of whatever we’re packing,” revealed Anita Zucker, chairman of the InterTech Group.
The crew is packaging oranges. Providing assistance to persons experiencing food insecurity. And it is a personal mission for Zucker.
“My parents once upon a time lived through the Holocaust,” Zucker told me. “And they knew what it was like not to have food.”
Both the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Trident United Way appreciate the extra effort. According to the Food Bank, volunteers play an important role in their success. So far this year, volunteers have contributed over 40,000 hours.
“Days of giving is actually a huge capacity builder for our nonprofits in the tri-county area,” Chhina told me. “Take a look at the dollar-to-hour ratio. What hours of volunteering genuinely amount to a nonprofit organization? Last year, Days of Caring collected over $200,000 for our nonprofit friends and partners in the tri-county.”
And, given recent budget challenges, the timing of this week’s donation is especially beneficial.
“All of our non-profits across the United States are probably feeling that extra weight and extra calling to really come together now more than ever,” Chhina disclosed.
