We hope this update finds all of our supporters well and staying safe!
When the COVID 19 pandemic began in March, James Island Outreach (JIO) pivoted our food distribution process to a Saturday drive-thru model. First, 20-30 clients per week; then 40 to 50; now, four months later, we are serving 100+ clients per week (representing more than 1100 family members per month).
Through it all, our sponsoring churches, community, and supporters have remained faithful with donations of both food and money. Our volunteers have stepped up to pack bags, greet clients, and direct traffic week-in and week-out. In fact, we have made more than ~1400 food distributions since implementing the drive-thru model and distributed 36.5 tons of emergency food assistance!
Not only are we serving our community of James Island and Folly Beach, we continue to see an increase in numbers from neighbors in need from throughout the Lowcountry. Partnering with the Lowcountry Food Bank we are happy to report that we are meeting and continue to meet the needs of these clients as well. Not a single person seeking food assistance has been turned away empty handed!
As the pandemic persists and the need increases, we have reached a point where distributions are now exceeding incoming food donations and purchases.
Whether it is locally here in Charleston or wherever you may be, if you are in a position to give, we ask that you support your local food banks!
Ways to Support James Island Outreach:
- Contribute financially – https://jioutreach.org/donations/
- Non-perishable food donations – JIO open Tues. and Thurs. 9am – noon to receive donations
- Organize a neighborhood food drive
If you know of anyone in need of assistance locally in Charleston, James Island or Folly Beach please direct them to James Island Outreach.
Additional Highlights:
- Served over 30.5 Tons of food since the start of the pandemic.
- Provided over $30,000 of financial aid through Charleston County Federally Funded CARES Act.
- An additional $15,000 has been made available for emergency financial needs for residents of James Island and Folly Beach.
- Partnered with local restaurants during our July 4th distribution to provide food and hot dogs!
- Undergarment Society distribution during recent Saturday food distribution.
- Continued partnership with Lowcountry Food Bank, providing disaster relief food boxes
In Parting…
Just as important as our mission of improving the lives of our clients and neighbors in need, the leadership at James Island Outreach cares deeply and believes strongly that we are building and growing an organization of which, our community and supporters can truly be proud. Like the lighthouse in our logo, we hope to be a beacon of light to society at large; demonstrating how a diverse, caring community comes together to assist those in need, which in turn makes a community better and stronger! Over these past few months as I have watched James Island Outreach in action, I feel tremendous pride in what we have all accomplished together. Never has our tagline “Helping Neighbors – Uniting Community” been more true!
We thank you all for your continued support!
Warmest Regards,
Scott Graule, Executive Director – James Island Outreach
843-762-3653
Kevin Tingley, Chairman of the Board – James Island Outreach