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Helping Out for April 8, 2020

Staff Report //April 8, 2020//

Helping Out for April 8, 2020

Staff Report //April 8, 2020//

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Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submit your news using our online form.

The S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association has partnered with Scofflaw Brewing Co. to launch a relief fund to assist hospitality workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will provide qualified applicants with grants to assist with immediate expenses related to a layoff, furlough or reduction in hours. Scofflaw Brewing Co. has pledged more than $20,000 to the relief fund.

Any affected resident employed at a restaurant or hotel can apply online.


The Scouted Studio is hosting its first emerging artist virtual pop-up show, consisting of works from 24 artists from around the world. Ten percent of all sales will support Charleston-area food banks. Several of the participating artists have matched this contribution.

The virtual platform offers emerging artists an outlet to sell their work. Throughout the month, each artist will showcase four pieces. The show runs until April 30.


Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina is offering virtual vision rehabilitation training for adults who are blind or visually impaired. This includes activities of daily living, assistive technology, braille and computer training.

Most training will be completed over the phone in one-hour blocks. Instructors will conduct an initial assessment with each client to determine their goals. Training will be tailored to each individual and the accessibility tools they have.


Charleston Southern University has established a COVID-19 Student Emergency Care Fund, which will assist students who need help with food, housing, medicine, travel or education-related expenses. The Student Care Committee of staff from student life, spiritual life and development departments will evaluate all needs.

Requests for assistance and donations can be submitted online.


Palmetto Goodwill’s newly created virtual call center connects the unemployed and underemployed in the Lowcountry with professional opportunities.

Career navigators are available to chat and assist with job placements, online career credentialing and training resources for individuals and businesses. Prospective employees can receive information on companies hiring, free online courses for career advancement and live support.

Businesses also are encouraged to participate in programs designed to bring back laid-off workers, as well as connect with prospective employees. The call center is currently operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.


SeamonWhiteside recently participated in its third Lowcountry Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association.

SeamonWhiteside raised $9,785 in one of its most successful Lowcountry Heart Walks to date, bringing its total fundraising efforts for the event to $36,785 over the past four years.


The Duke Endowment has approved $2.5 million to support Carolinians impacted by the new coronavirus. In South Carolina, $1.25 million of the funding, including $50,000 for Lowcountry Food Bank, will be disbursed through the One SC Fund: COVID-19 Response, a fund housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation. This is the largest donation the fund has ever received.

The initial grants will help statewide efforts focused on access to vital health care and sustaining social supports as unemployment rises.


Blackbaud founder Tony Bakker, his wife, Linda Bakker, and their two children, James Bakker and Katy Bakker McKee, have pledged to match donations of up to $500,000 to the COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund of Coastal Community Foundation through April 20.

All funds will go directly to nonprofits working on providing medical care, food access and financial support to those most affected by the new coronavirus outbreak in coastal South Carolina.


Postpartum Support Charleston is turning its 17th annual Moms’ Run into a virtual 5K. All proceeds benefit the organization’s work in helping Charleston-area moms who are struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety.

This year’s race, marking the organization’s 20th anniversary, will be held during National Maternal Mental Health Week from May 3 to 9. Registration is open to the public and costs $20 per person.

Participants are encouraged to map out a 3.1-mile route, which they can run, walk or push a stroller, close to home.

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