Charter One Realty Blog

The Lowcountry has been in the midst of our new normal, living through COVID-19, for over a month. Between layoffs, furloughs, and school closures, life has changed quickly. Our communities in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort have stepped up to the new challenges and we will be featuring the “new normal” in a series of articles over the coming weeks.

From healthcare facilities to nonprofits to restaurants, every industry has pivoted to support our community in new, impactful ways. 

In today’s feature, we highlight the volunteer organizations making a difference, now more than ever. We’ll also showcase the many ways you can get involved.

Below is a list of nonprofits (in alphabetical order) who are offering resources and services during this pandemic.

Bluffton Self Help

For more than 30 years, Bluffton Self Help has served our local families in need. COVID-19 has stretched their capacity and the community has risen up to support our most vulnerable. By providing free food, clothing, and short-term financial assistance, Bluffton Self Help ensures families most deeply affected can survive this crisis.

Would you like to help? No donation is too small; you can give a monetary donation online here: https://www.blufftonselfhelp.org/. 

There are also multiple food drop off locations listed here (fresh produce and non-perishables, please). You can even hold your own food drive; email julia@blufftonselfhelp.org for details. In addition to food, BSH is also in need of recycled shopping bags and diapers sizes 4, 5 & 6.

Deep Well Project

The Deep Well Project was founded in 1973, digging wells to provide clean, safe water for the Hilton Head Island community.  Since then, it has been the source of emergency assistance to the local community and is supported by individuals, businesses, religious institutions, foundations, clubs, schools, and various other organizations.

From the food pantry to emergency financial aid, the Deep Well Project literally does it all. Whatever your passion, you can volunteer or donate to support someone who needs it. They even offer home repair, for example! Learn about their programs and support them here: https://www.deepwellproject.org/

Donate to Our Hospitals

Our local hospitals are in need of the following items. If you find them available for purchase (or if you have them on hand) please drop them at your local hospital.

• Surgical masks

• N95 masks (medical grade, NIOSH certified, sizes large and small)

• Examination gloves (sterile and unsterile, all sizes)

• Protective glasses, goggles, and shields

• Isolation gowns

• Thermometers (disposable strips or thermometers, or temporal infrared)

• Homemade masks and face shields 

• You can even join the brand new group Marks 4 Heroes here!

You can also buy meals for hospital staff by contacting a local restaurant to order and pay over the phone. They will deliver the meals right to the hospital.

Hope for Help

The Help 4 Hope Fund is providing economic support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lowcountry by:

• Helping feed families affected by this crisis

• Supporting local restaurants by generating new business

• Saving jobs in the food-service industry

Simply purchase a “community investment” card for $50, and exchange it for a meal at any of the participating restaurants. The website recommends gifting your card to someone affected (health heroes, first responders, anyone who has lost a job, and so on). 

United Way of the Lowcountry

The United Way of the Lowcountry and its partners stabilize people in crisis by addressing needs essential to life, which include disaster assistance, food, safe shelter, housing, and healthcare. Their trained specialists are available to residents in all of Beaufort county. If you or someone you know is not sure how to begin the process for receiving support, please call United Way for personalized referrals to local services and resources: 843-524-HELP (4357)

Conclusion

It is no surprise that the Lowcountry is banding together during this time of need. There are so many worthy organizations; this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, here are five fantastic ways to show support:

1. Get involved with Bluffton Self Help.

2. Volunteer or donate to the Deep Well Project.

3. Donate to our Hospitals.

4. Purchase a Help4Hope restaurant card.

5. Support the United Way of the Lowcountry.

Help us add to this list by sharing your favorite nonprofit with us in the comments below!