Giving Tuesday serves as a day to encourage individuals, businesses, and groups to give back to their communities and support charitable causes, allowing altruism and generosity to shine through the sea of consumer-focused days. To organizations like Bluffton Self Help, it also serves as a day to positively impact the life of a Lowcountry neighbor like Molly.
Molly, a single mom, sought help from Bluffton Self Help while rebuilding her life after leaving a challenging domestic violence situation. Despite securing a new job with improved pay, bills remained a struggle. Molly received emergency financial assistance to address her past-due utility bill and with the help of a caring Client Advocate, Molly began to shop at The Market, easing her grocery expenses.
As the Client Advocate showed her around The Market, Molly burst into tears. When she saw the milk, eggs, and fresh produce, she knew she would be able to provide healthy, fresh meals for herself and her son. Molly shopped at The Market every week, and although she still had some hard days, she began to get ahead thanks to the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors.
Soon Molly returned to Bluffton Self Help to share her gratitude for the support that propelled her into a nursing job, a healthy relationship, and financial stability.
This year, we have seen a steady increase in neighbors utilizing our services. We’ve served 1,756 unique households, 43% of whom are enrolled in more than one program. Of that, 350 students are currently enrolled in classes offered by BSH and our Client Advocates have had more than 2,000 one-on-one encounters with neighbors. Additionally, registration for the annual Holiday Toy Shop is up 52% over last year, with plans to serve over 1200 children.
When you give to Bluffton Self Help:
• $2,500 stocks The Market with fresh produce, eggs, milk, and meat, for one week.
• $1,500 makes it possible for a family to stay in their home – safe and warm.
• $1,000 ensures 50 families will set the table with a turkey or ham for the holidays.
• $500 underwrites the cost of 10 GED subject tests.
• $250 provides books and learning tools for one ESL class, for two semesters.
• $100 covers the cost of five gifts for our Holiday Toy Shop.
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