James Island Town Council voted to give James Island Outreach $15,000 and the Lowcountry Covid-19 Relief and Recovery fund  $5,000 at its April 16th meeting.  James Island Outreach, a wellness food pantry supported by local churches, has been serving the needy on James Island and Folly Beach for over 30 years. JIO also helps with utility bills and medical bill when funds are available. The main fund raiser for JIO, “The Taste of James Island,’ was scheduled for April 18. That was canceled because of the pandemic, when growing unemployment on James Island and Folly Beach has created an unprecedented need for food assistance.

JIO operations have changed for the safety of staff, volunteers and clients. The buildings are closed. Food donations can be dropped off on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Food is distributed Saturday morning with a drive through, volunteers fill up trunks with bags of dry goods, canned goods, eggs, baked good, toilet paper and soap. JIO has also been giving out Disaster Relief boxes from Lowcounty Food Bank.

Mayor Bill Woolsey presented JIO Director Scott Graule with a check from the Town.

Photo of Mayor Bill Woolsey presenting JIO Director Scott Graule with a check from the Town of James Island.