Methodist volunteers contribute service to Florence schools

FLORENCE — Henry Timrod Elementary School and CHOiCES Charter School were among many organizations that benefited from the services of about 800 Methodist volunteers during the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church’s Great Day of Service.

On Tuesday, volunteers visited Timrod and CHOiCES to help make a difference in students’ lives.

At Timrod, Jerry Washabau of Irmo, along with a team of volunteers, delivered school supplies such as notebook paper, pencils, erasers and rulers to be used during the school year.

Washabau, who is a teacher at Lugoff-Elgin High School and a member of Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, said each congregation has been charged with bringing different items to the annual conference to conduct service projects in the Florence community.

Washabau said Tuesday was the second time he has been a part of the school donation project and the fourth time he has participated in the Great Day of Service.

He said he wanted to participated in the service project because it was his chance to give back to his community.

“Being a teacher myself, I know it can get expensive ... asking kids to go out and shop for supplies,” Washabau said. “I enjoy working with kids. I enjoy being a teacher.

“It’s super to be a part of something like this in our community,” he said. “Even though I’m in Irmo, the community of Christ is everywhere.”

Thurmond Williams, principal of Timrod, said he was very appreciative of the school supplies and that the Day of Service was a great way to show churches and public schools working together.

The group of volunteers didn’t stop at Timrod.  At CHOiCES Charter School, volunteers helped with cleaning, gardening and other projects.

Ralph Porter, executive director of CHOiCES, said he was very grateful for the volunteers who visited the school.

“Anytime anyone comes out to visit us, especially volunteers to work, we think that’s outstanding,” Porter said. “It’s a great blessing.”

The Great Day of Service was one of many events during the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church’s annual conference at Florence Civic Center.

Matt Brodie, director of communications with the S.C. United Methodist Conference, said the conference — which began Sunday and ends today —  was attended by 1,560 delegates, which included clergy and laity, as well as between 500 to 1,000 United Methodists.