Volunteer Opportunities in the Lowcountry – Get Involved
There are organizations all around the Lowcountry whose success is based on volunteers that generously give their time and resources to helping others. Here are a few of the organizations that could use a few good people like you!!!
A great resource for short term volunteer opportunities is VolunteerMatch.com. There are currently 183 locals matches in the Charleston, SC area.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The South Carolina Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation organizes events to raise money for “CF” research. We host many events throughout the year as well as raise awareness in the community.
Address 215 East Bay Street, Suite 205B, Charleston, SC 29401
Contact Erin Healy
Phone (843) 722-6460
Website http://www.cff.org
National MS Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society funds more MS research, offers more services to people with MS, provides more professional education programs and advances more MS advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. Through its home office and fifty-state network of chapters, the National MS Society provides assistance to over a million people annually in its continuing mission to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
Address 9801 Southern Pine Blvd. Suite I, Charlotte, NC 28273
Contact Linda Vanderbosch
Phone 800-344-4867, option 2
Fax 704-527-0406
Website http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ncp
Seacoast Dream Center
The Dream Center, part of Seacoast Church’s North Charleston campus, is modeled after the Los Angeles Dream Center, which has proven to reduce crime in the community by 70%. To give significance to this percentage here are some disturbing statistics regarding North Charleston.
Address 5505 North Rhett Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406
Contact Amie Heath
Phone 843-375-1099
Website http://www.seacoast.org/campushome.asp?pageID=795
Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities
Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A) is a resource where individuals in South Carolina obtain quality information and referral about disability rights, enabling people with disabilities to be effective self-advocates.
Address 3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 208, Columbia, SC 29204
Contact Kimberly Tissot
Phone 803-217-6728
Fax 803-790-1946
Website http://www.protectionandadvocacy-sc.org/
Respite Care Ministries
Respite Care Ministries is a groupd of respite programs designed specifically for people with memory loss and their caregivers.
Address 405 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Contact Allison Menick
Phone 843-478-2796
Muscular Dystrophy Association
MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.
Address 29 Leinbach Drive Suite D-5, Charleston, SC 29407
Contact Jolie Pegg
Phone 843-556-3654
Fax 843-556-7826
Website http://www.mdausa.org
Lowcountry Earth Force
Now is the time to foster a scientifically capable and civically engaged populace. Through Earth Force young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire and understand environmental knowledge, and develop the skills and motivation to become life-long leaders in addressing environmental issues.
Address P.O. Box 22583, Charleston, SC 29413
Contact Kelli Beltran
Phone 843-720-8525
Fax 843-720-1432
Website http://www.earthforce.org/charleston
Palmetto Goodwill
When you volunteer with Palmetto Goodwill, your donation of time, talent and expertise helps people with diverse challenges achieve their goals of becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of their community. Volunteers are also able to help in retail stores, at Job Link Centers and at special events.
And new contact: Laura Payne
New weblink: https://palmettogoodwill.org/volunteer/
SC Maritime Heritage Foundation
To offer a unique educational platform for students in the Palmetto state, encouraging responsibility, teamwork, and other attributes necessary to become future leaders, while unearthing South Carolina’s maritime past.
Address 10 Wharfside Street, PO Box 22405, Charleston, SC 29401
Contact Christine Haigh
Phone 843/722-1030
Website http://www.scmaritime.org
Charleston County GAL Program
According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, there were 548 Charleston County children living in foster care on June 30, 2007 . Our volunteers work with these vulnerable children to help them find safe, permanent, nurturing homes as quickly as possible. We work one-on-one with children to learn as much as we can about them, and help them find safety and security by providing advocacy and support.
Address P.O. Box 296, Charleston, SC 29402
Contact Charlene Gadsden
Phone (843) 958-4350
Fax (843) 958-4357
Website http://charleston.scgal.org
Hospice Care of America
Provides one on one care to patients and their families in the home setting. Some volunteer activities may include: running errands; reading to patient; singing to patient; doing crafts with patient; listening to patient and caregiver; providing companionship.
Address 9217 University Blvd, Suite C1D, North Charleston, SC 29406
Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross
Nonprofit organization utilizing volunteers in Armed Forces Emergency Services, International Services, Disaster Services, Health & Safety, Volunteer & Youth Services, Blood Services, & RSVP.
Address 8085 Rivers Avenue, Suite F, North Charleston, SC 29406
Contact Lisa Wills
Phone 843-764-2323 Ext 364
Fax 843-764-2318
Website http://www.LowcountryRedCross.org
Charleston Habitat for Humanity
Charleston Habitat for Humanity provides affordable homeownership opportunities for working families of moderate income in the cities of Charleston and North Charleston. Families can qualify for either new homes or home repair programs.
Address 731 Meeting Street, PO Box 21479, Charleston, SC 29403
Contact Laurel Prichard
Phone (843)722-7145
Fax (843)722-7142
Website http://www.charlestonhabitat.org
Carolina Lowcountry RSVP
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) provides opportunities for people 55 and over to make a difference in their community through volunteer service. RSVP volunteers contribute anywhere from a few to over forty hours a week, serving through schools, day care centers, police departments, hospitals and other nonprofit and public organizations to help meet critical community needs.
Address
8085 Rivers Avenue., Suite F, North Charleston, SC 29406
Contact Pam Dillon
Phone (843) 764-2323 ext. 381
Fax (843) 764-2318
Website http://www.lowcountryredcross.org
Senior Companions
Senior Companions receive not only a tax free stipend and gas allowance but get paid during pre-training and in-service training as well as ten paid holidays. This income does not affect any of your social security or other pensions. In addition, you are providing a vital service to your community that you yourself might need someday. Senior Companions are doing extraordinary things and their service to the elderly gives back more heartfelt love that we can spread around.
Address 259 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Contact Thelma Gaillard
Phone (843) 722-4127
Fax (843) 722-3675
Website http://www.charlestonareaseniors.org/seniorcompanion.html
Charleston Area Children’s Garden Project
The Charleston Area Children’s Garden Project works to provide kids with a community-based outdoor learning experience. Most of our gardens are planted in neighborhoods where problems such as crime, poor health, or financial hardship are part of everyday life for many youngsters.
Address P.O Box 13302, Charleston, SC 29412
Contact Darlena Goodwin
Phone 843-478-3748
Website http://www.childrensgardenproject.org
The Sustainability Institute
The Sustainability Institute is a nonprofit environmental organization with a focus on energy conservationadn the built environment. We pursue our mission by offering a variety of services and programs. Our programs include workshops, trainings, and community outreach dedicated to teaching homeowners, building professionals, and community leaders the benefits of sustainability and environmentally conscious practices.
Address 1441 East Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Contact Renee Patey
Phone 843-529-3421
Website http://www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org
People Against Rape
PAR provides free intervention and advocacy services for adult and child victims of sexual assault, adult survivors of childhood sexual assault, and victims of domestic violence. PAR also helps families and friends learn how to provide support to victims.
Address 2154 N. Center Street Suite 302, N. Charleston, SC 29406
Contact Volunteer Coordinator
Phone 843-745-0144
Fax 843-745-0119
Website http://www.peopleagainstrape.org
Communities in Schools
Communities In Schools works within the schools to help at-risk youth stay in school and be successful.
Address MSC 1201, 701 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Contact Courtney Winders
Phone (843) 720-2346
Fax (843) 720-2338
Website http://www.CISCharleston.org
East Cooper Community Outreach
ECCO provides food, clothing, dental, medical, education and financial help to assist our clients out of generational and situational poverty.
Address 1145 Six Mile Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466
Contact Paul Suchy
Phone 843-849-9220
Fax 843-849-0943
Website http://www.eccocharleston.org/site/c.8pLJLVPxEaLSH/b.8343465/k.BE7D/Home.htm
Charleston Daily
Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
We are a community based, non-profit organization committed to providing a transportation alternative to seniors. We have been operating since 2006. In December 2014 we provided our 50,000th ride!
ITN Independent Transportation Network
We are a community based, non-profit organization committed to providing a transportation alternative to seniors. We have been operating since 2006. In December 2014 we provided our 50,000th ride!