That's Life: Community gives in spite of hard times

This community gives in spite of hard times. Or maybe a community gives because of hard times.

I am pleasantly overwhelmed by the generosity of Marion County residents. They give and they give. The recent United Fund of Marion County gala and auction raised nearly $11,000, more than the $10.000 raised by the 2007 event. It may not seem like much, but ast least we haven't gone backward in our giving.
That money goes to various groups in the county and directly helps Marion County citizens.

This weekend is the March for Babies. Just to let you know how all those fund raisers are going for that entity, several schools in the county are working hard to raise money in the community by doing change days and selling cutouts. This year, all three high schools have groups that are fundraising for the March for Babies (Marion High School FBLA, Mullins High School FBLA and Creek Bridge High School). Churches are involved. Individuals are involved. Businesses have committed time and resources to develop clever ways to raise money for these great causes.

This year, the March's goal is $37,000. Event organizer Crystal Hummer recently wrote and said "I saw some of you today as I was delivering bank day envelopes and checking on your campaigns ... As I was visiting teams, I could feel the impact that the economy is having on your community and could hear the concern in your voices.

"I know that you are all feeling overwhelmed by the state that the country is in right now, trust me, I feel it too. But what I want to encourage each of you in is that we can’t stop what we are trying to achieve for babies and their families, they are the ones that are counting on each one of us..."

Hummer went on to share successes from some of the teams participating. She reported that Marion County DHEC had its annual Jail and Bail and during the morning of the event, they had scheduled 13 “March of Dimes convicts” to be picked up by the Marion County Sheriff’s deputies. Each one of those picked up raised $100 to get out of the DHEC jail. That was $1,300 made for the babies in one day. Crystal said she spoke to Kim Collins with the Marion County EMS and she said that members of the community have been generous and some have given more than last year.

She also reported that the Beneteu team, led by Team Captain Jennifer Reinman, started fundraising efforts early this year and had raised more than $1,500 selling lollipops and candy bars.

Remember, keep striving, she said, the babies are counting on us. "It is amazing what we can do in such little time," Hummer said. I think it's amazing, in the county in the state that is nearly always in the top ranks of those with the most unemployed citizens, cares and gives. It says much about our character. I'm glad to be a part of Marion County's workforce.

To be sure, the giving doesn't stop with these two groups and the holidays will see many opportunities to give and give and give again.

For instance, there is probably no nobler cause that Marion County DSS's annual Christmas Project. This project needs gifts and money to make the holidays a little brighter for those often overlooked and left behind. The MCDSS would like everyone to participate in the “Christmas Project” by either sponsoring a child, children or family by making donations. This project gives individuals, churches, business and organizations the opportunity to help numerous Marion County children, families and the elderly served by the MCDSS.

Items needed include new toys, games, jewelry, gift cards, clothing, shoes, balls, bicycles, toiletries, and money. All contributions and donations for this project are tax deductible. To confirm your participation or to get more information about this worthy cause, call (843) 423-4623.

Also the MCDSS needs participants as foster parents and to give children their own personal happy endings. The SCDSS ask those who will to open their hearts and homes to the rewards of becoming a foster parent. For information, contact the MCDSS at 137 Airport Court, Suite A, Mullins.
Let's not forget the American Red Cross, especially its Disaster Relief Fund. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org or www.peedeeredcross.org.

I know, the list goes on. But I am confident that in the best of times, and worst of times, we will figure out a way to help one another.

P.S. The Marion County March for Babies event this Saturday will feature a butterfly garden. For $10 each, you can buy a placard, shaped as a butterfly, that will feature the name of a child, honored or memorialized in the garden. The Oct. 11 walk will be at the Marion County Medical Center off U.S. Highway 76. The butterflies are an easy way to remember healthy and premature babies. If you are interested in purchasing a butterfly, call event organizer Crystal Hummer at (843) 488-3463.

Oh, one last P.S.: Kudos and pats on the back all the way around to the Marion County Council members who voted to pass along management of the Marion County Animal Shelter. In probably one of best ventures and wisest moves I've seen, the contracting out of this service for Marion County citizens, to a caring group, will better provide for the county's animals.