The Opinion Blog: A Good Chance to Give Back

Friday’s editorial urges some local philanthropy as we near the end of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week:

The mercury is dropping, the nights are getting longer and it’s that time of the year when many of us long to spend the cold days curled up in a warm house with a good book and a mug of something hot.

For many in our area, that’s simply not an option.

We’re coming to the end of National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week, when organizations that serve local at-risk populations seek to re-energize an often jaded populace concerned with its own problems and emphasize again the need for helping others.

That need has certainly not diminished. If anything, it has increased in recent years as a horrible economy has pulled the carpet out from under people who had been on the edge, tumbling them into homelessness and hunger.

The past few years have put many local charities in the middle of a stressful tug-of-war. They’re fielding more requests from those in need, while at the same time their regular donors are cutting back. (In some cases, those donors are now requesting aid themselves.) In short, the need is greater, the resources are smaller.

This week is a good reminder for those of us who can still afford to give. Many hard-working volunteers and agencies can use our help, whether it’s in the form of a check, a few hours of free help or donations of food, blankets or clothing. If you can give, please do.

Where to help

There are many agencies throughout the Grand Strand that serve those in need. The following list is not meant to be exhaustive, but merely a good starting point for those who wish to help (or those looking for help). Many churches have their own ministries and other groups also provide much-needed services. Any help is appreciated, and gifts of money, products or volunteer time anywhere are a wonderful way to give back as we enter the holiday season. If you’re not sure where to start, the United Way is always a good place:

United Way of Horry County

761 Century Circle, Conway, SC 29526

843-347-5195

www.unitedwayhcsc.org

Georgetown County United Way

515 Front St., Georgetown, SC 29440

843-546-6317

Email info@gcuw.org

www.gcuw.org

Food assistance

Churches Assisting People (CAP)

206 Main St.