Charter One Realty Blog

The holiday season is a time of giving, and here in the Lowcountry, that spirit of charity is alive and well. There is a long tradition of philanthropy in the Lowcountry, a strong community spirit that sees people of all walks of life lending a helping hand in times of need. 

At Charter One Realty, we are proud to be a part of this local tradition of giving. Beyond offering tremendous service and value to our clients as well as a deep expertise in Lowcountry real estate, our driving philosophy is one of service to the community. As such, we have been proud to donate our time and money to a host of local causes. 

As you look for ways to give back in the community this holiday season, we wanted to point you toward a few organizations that are always in need of your assistance. We hope you will join us in being a force for good in our community.

Volunteers in Medicine

Charter One Realty has been proud to support the mission of Volunteers in Medicine, with regular financial donations that have placed us among the organization’s highest donors locally.

Celebrating 25 years of service this year, VIM was founded on Hilton Head Island by Dr. Jack McConnell with a simple mission of providing the area with free, compassionate, quality-driven health care. A quarter century later, this organization now encompasses 96 clinics staffed by 600 volunteer physicians, nurses, dentists, social workers and lay volunteers providing more than 30,000 patient visits each year. 

With an annual operating budget of $2.05 million, VIM is always seeking out financial donations, as well as volunteer hours from qualified healthcare personnel. Starting this year, the VIM clinic on Hilton Head Island has become the first to receive donations of vehicles. So if you have a background in medicine, an old car you can part with, or a few dollars you would like to see go toward helping those in need receive vital healthcare, VIM is a great place to start this holiday season.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Dedicated to helping coaches and athletes grow in both their faith and their sport, Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been a favorite among local organizations for Charter One Realty's charitable giving. Most recently, Charter One Realty donated $20,000 to FCA in support of their Heritage week events including a Christian Heritage Breakfast, Heritage Sunrise Service, and Heritage Coaches Day.

Part of a worldwide organization with 1,700 staff members across the U.S. and in more than 50 other countries, the South Coastal FCE serves Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton county schools and communities. What started in 1954 has grown to an organization that relies on volunteer coaches and a strong community of financial backers. FCA programs help keep underserved youth involved and engaged both on the field and off through strong faith-based principals and a devotion to fair play.

You can click here to donate to South Coastal FCA, either as a one-time or recurring gift, and learn more about volunteering your time on the field. 

Osprey Village

The creation of an “inclusive residential neighborhood with a purpose” has been the driving purpose behind Osprey Village since its inception in 2008, and that goal is very near realization. Charter One Realty has been proud to be a part of this growth, donating money which has gone to fund two box trucks for their local thrift stores.

Planned for 63.12 acres of land in the Okatie area across from Oldfield Plantation, donated by Argent Land Holdings, LLC, Osprey Village will be a place where those with special needs can live independent, fulfilling lives while receiving the care that they need. The organization will begin breaking ground very soon, leading the way to a variety of housing options co-existing alongside shopping, dining, entertainment and employment for the community. Revenue for the Osprey Village Thrift stores and generous donations fund the project.  

There are a multitude of ways you can get involved with Osprey Village, whether it is something as simple as shopping on Amazon Smiles or through donations of time or money. It is a great way to know that your gift will have an enormous impact in someone’s life.

Habitat for Humanity

Homeownership is the bedrock of the American dream, and Habitat for Humanity has made it their mission to lift up the needy through the realization of this dream. Locally, Charter One Realty has been with the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity every step of the way. In addition to donating funds for two of the organizations first trucks, our realtors have been on-site swinging hammers and helping construction for several of the organization’s communities around our area.

Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1990, and saw its first house completed just three years later. Since then they have built affordable communities for those in need at places like New Hope Village, New Ridge, Brendan Woods, Promise Way and The Glen throughout Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas. 

If you are handy and want to help, their website offers everything you need to get started as a volunteer.  Just click, sign up, and get to work making the world a better place, one house at a time.