In this season of giving, the United Way of the Lowcountry has partnered with Toys for Tots, the Agape Family Life Center, Antioch Educational Center, Bluffton Self Help, Deep Well Project, Love House Ministries, and The Salvation Army again this year to help local families through Operation Holiday Heroes. This initiative is a two-county collaboration to assure that every child and family in need throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties has toys and food this Christmas.
As the month of December continues, the United Way of the Lowcountry hopes you will consider helping bring the joy of Christmas to children and families in our community through Operation Holiday Heroes.
“Christmas is a magical time of year and we want every child in our community to wake up Christmas morning and experience that magic regardless of their financial situation,” said Chrystie Turner, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of the Lowcountry.
“This year has been especially tough and we hope everyone will help us spread some holiday cheer to children in our community who need it the most.”
Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, the need this year is expected to be greater than ever before. Turner said many of those families who have donated soccer balls and dolls to Operation Holiday Heroes in the past are now needing assistance themselves this year.
Want to help?
There are plenty of ways you can show some love and help out some local families this season.
Donate toys by dropping them off at the United Way of the Lowcountry office in Beaufort. Just contact the office ahead of time to schedule a drop off. Contact Amber at 843.564.8811 or ahewitt@uwlowcountry.org
You can donate toys at one of the many Toys for Tots boxes throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. There are many locations in the area. Check out the list at: https://savannah-ga.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx (The Fillin Station on Lady’s Island is a location, although not on this list)
Make a monetary donation to Operation Holiday Heroes online by visiting HERE or by making a check payable to Operation Holiday Heroes. Send checks to United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901. (Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.)
You can even go shopping from your home. Order toys online and ship them directly to the United Way of the Lowcountry office at 1277 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. (For more information, contact Amber at United Way of the Lowcountry at 843.564.8811 or ahewitt@uwlowcountry.org.)
You can collect gifts and/or donations for Operation Holiday Heroes in your neighborhood.
Make a donation in memory of a loved one or in honor of them.
If you need help
Those needing Christmas assistance will need to register for Operation Holiday Heroes at one of the participating sites throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties.
Please visit this link for information on registration, including dates and cut off times.
