United Way of Horry County celebrates 28th annual Day of Caring, Giving Campaign

By Ruben Lowman

On Friday, Oct. 8, United Way of Horry County (UWHC) will host its 28^th annual Day of Caring. This day brings together hundreds of volunteers that will work together on one project to make a change and impact the community. This year’s project will be at Oak Tree Farm, an SOS Care Living Community in Conway.

“Many people have been eager to get out and give back to Horry County. Day of Caring is a great opportunity for people to get outside and make a huge impact,” said Blakely Roof, President, and CEO of United Way of Horry County. “For 28 years, Day of Caring has been a staple in our community for bringing people together to do great things.”

Volunteers will gather at the Conway Sports & Fitness Center beginning at 8 a.m. for breakfast provided by Bojangles and registration. Volunteers will then be shuttled over to the worksite. Parking is not available at Oak Tree Farm. Once on-site, volunteers will be doing all the landscaping on the 9.7-acre community including planting trees, bushes, shrubs, laying straw, and even building benches and planter boxes for residents. Volunteers will also receive lunch on-site provided by Red Robin and t-shirts.

The event is expected to have over 250 volunteers and is sponsored by Publix, Grand Strand Health, Horry Telephone Cooperative, King Construction Services, Spann Roofing, and Sheet Metal, South Atlantic Bank, South State Bank, Black Mule Printing Services, Bojangles, Coastal Carolina University, Coca-Cola, Conway Sports & Fitness Center, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Red Robin, Santee Cooper, and Young Photography.

This builds on the recent launch of UWHC’s annual Giving Campaign, which began last month with their Campaign Kickoff event hosted by Coastal Carolina University at Brooks Stadium West Zone Suite. This year, UWHC’s goal is to raise $1 million to help improve access to health, education and self-sufficiency in Horry County.

“We are eager to make an even greater impact during our new campaign year. Even though the last 18 months has proven challenging, we are optimistic that our community will come together to provide the support that is so important to so many throughout Horry County,” said Roof.. “Funds raised through our campaign will be used to fuel our community with resources that are needed to live a self-sufficient and stable life for everyone.”

Over the last year, UWHC impacted the lives of over 61,000 individuals by funding programs internally and through vetted local nonprofit partners.  These programs include food pantries, homeless shelters, job training, dental care for children, mental health counseling, after-school child care, tutoring, free healthcare and more. UWHC’s internal programs include free tax preparation and filing, reading and mentoring programs, funding our local 211 resource call line, training summit for local nonprofits, and Camp United, a summer learning camp for rising 1st and 2nd graders at Loris Elementary.

Some local businesses have already begun their employee giving campaigns. These businesses, known as Pacesetters, set an example in the community and create a jump start towards the $1 million campaign goal. UWHC’s Pacesetters this year are: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, the city of North Myrtle Beach, Coastal Carolina National Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Palmetto Bank, Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority, The Jackson Companies, Peoples Underwriters, Inc., Sandhills Bank, and Spann Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. 

Funds raised through the annual giving campaign are invested locally to help local residents. For more information about UWHC’s mission and to donate towards the campaign goal, visit www.unitedwayhorry.org If you are interested in holding a campaign contact Michelle Bessett at 843-347-5195 or email at Michelle@unitedwayhorry.org.

For more information or to register to volunteer for the annual Day of Caring visit their website or contact Roof at 843-347-5195.