A Season to Show Gratitude for Those Who Serve the Underserved

By Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

During this season of gratitude, and with only 39 days left in 2019, it's a good time to show our thankfulness for those serving our friends, family and neighbors who need assistance. 

The best way to say thank you to these organizations is to donate you money and time. For financial donations, the deadline is Jan. 31 to get a tax deduction for 2019, so if that is the sort of think that motivates you, follow the links below today and donate. These groups also need your time as well. Considering volunteering during this holiday season, when all of these groups need extra help

I know almost all of the leadership involved in these groups, and continue to be impressed with the collaborate effort and sharing spirit these organizations exhibit. Each serves the community in slightly different ways - which sometime overlap - but all are critical to making Anderson a better place to live and work. 

The list below, which includes a brief summary of their work and contact information, is alphabetical. 

AIM (http://Aimcharity,org)- Accept, Inspire, Minister - non-profit organization that meets the needs of struggling individuals and families in Anderson County. AIM was founded by churches to eliminate the duplication of assistance to those in need. For almost three decades, AIM has stabilized the community and continued to do so using its hand up, not hand out, philosophy. AIM is well known in the Upstate for giving hope and changing lives and continues to do so with unparalleled levels of energy, efficiency, and reliability. Kristi King-Brock and her staff are involved is so many short- and long-range programs to help those in need I can’t begin to list them here. But know that many of their programs, including their Women and Children Succeeding program (WACS), are national models for how to serve a community. AIM has been a victim of some large grants being cut, so they need your help now. 

The Cancer Association of Anderson (http://www.cancerassociationanderson.org/welcome0.aspx) was founded in March 2003 by a group of cancer survivors, health care professionals and community leaders to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors and their families living in Anderson County. CAA depends on donations and fund-raisers to help friends and neighbors. Started by Kathryn Smith and now led by Angie Stringer, both cancer survivors, almost anyone touched by cancer in our community has probably found help here. Donations go directly into helping those in Anderson.

Clean Start (https://cleanstartandersonsc.com) believes the spirit of God’s call to compassion, serving the homeless, poor, and marginalized by providing facilities for them to achieve basic hygiene, cleanliness, mail and phone access, and to help direct them toward the availability of other services they may need. Clean Start helps clients feel better physically, improve their self-worth treats clients with respect and provide a safe, welcoming environment to help them maintain a feeling of dignity through their daily contact with others. The only charity run entirely by volunteers, the work is amazing and deserves more community support. Tell your friends and neighbors about this often overlooked charity. 

Emergency Soup Kitchen (864-224-4763, 306 West Franklin Street), serves a hot lunch weekdays to anyone, no questions asked. Sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, the food is as tasty as most of the meat-and-three plates you’ll find anywhere in Anderson. The Rev. Jack Hardaway can often be seen serving meals and pouring tea at the kitchen. Visit it one day and offer to help clean up (and make a donation). 

Foothills Alliance (http://foothillsalliance.org/) Foothills Alliance is a nonprofit agency that encompasses three programs: Sexual Trauma Center, Child Advocacy Center, and Prevent Child Abuse. The mission of Foothills Alliance is working in collaboration with community partners, the mission of Foothills Alliance is to prevent sexual assault trauma and child abuse and neglect by providing education, advocacy, and treatment services in Anderson and Oconee counties. Tracie Bowie and her small staff need your help, since it is often difficult to raise funds given the sensitive subject. This is an organization that is understaffed and the need is acute.

Good Neighbor Cupboard (http://thegoodneighborcupboard.org/) is a warehouse of edible, nutritious food, donated by individuals, churches, organizations and food companies. A seven day supply of food will be available to those in need when referred by churches, social workers or other referral agencies. You won’t hear anything but praises for the work Floyd & Rebecca Berry do leading this charity. Hunger is still a problem in our community, and it would be more of a problem without Good Neighbor Cupboard. 

Haven of Rest (http://havenofrest.cc) is a Bible-based discipleship program and ministry designed to rescue, restore, and release men and women facing life-dominating problems related to addiction and homelessness. Haven of Rest is a Bible-based discipleship program and ministry located in Anderson, South Carolina that is designed to rescue, restore, and release men and women facing life-dominating problems related to addiction and homelessness. The Haven provides immediate needs and biblical guidance while helping  those seeking to find a new life. Stu Butler, who leads the Haven and his staff there, has an incredible heart for those he serves. The Haven has been in Anderson for more than 50 years, and still has the most long-term beds for those with life challenges. 

Meals on Wheels (http://acmow.org/) prepares and delivers approximately 420 hot meals each weekday to citizens of Anderson County who are not capable of preparing meals for themselves. By providing this service, Meals on Wheels assists the homebound elderly and disabled in maintaining their health, independence, and quality of life. Many would not be able to stay in their own homes without the assistance provided by the agency and its many volunteers. Laurie Ashley has worked magic to keep serving meals despite relying entirely on donations and volunteers. You can thank her by making a donation or volunteering as a food packer or driver to deliver meals. Businesses can share a route. If you can’t do that, a financial contribution would be ok. 

Salvation Army of Anderson (https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/anderson/home/) Through programs that serve the body, mind, and soul, The Salvation Army works to alleviate the symptoms of poverty; then works to address the root issues that cause it. Many know them most from their Red Kettles each holiday season, but their work in a year-round effort to serve the homeless and needy. Capt. John Sikes and Rashad Poole are doing amazing work and Anderson is lucky to have them. They love those they serve, and they love Anderson. 

This is not an exaustive list of organizations doing good in Anderson County, so if you are already supporting another group, Merry Christmas to you. But if you are looking for a good way to make the holidays more meaningful for you, your family and your neighbors, donating time or money is a gift that will resonate far beyond Christmas morning.