Get to Know Charleston’s Nonprofits

Highlighting our charitable organizations shows the diverse ways our community is giving back to those in need, not just during the holiday season but all year round. Take, for example, the American Heart Association’s Lowcountry Heart Walk, the Lowcountry Food Bank drives, the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center’s Spring banquet, the March of Dimes annual Walk for Babies and the James Island Christian School’s fundraisers, all of which raise awareness about critical areas of concern. Spread the word and gather friends, family members, colleagues and the softball team with a call-to-action to get involved. By creating groups to volunteer time and donations to the following local causes, we can achieve more and make a much-needed difference.

American Heart Association

The Lowcountry Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s largest community-facing initiative that raises critical funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training and drive equitable health for all people. It also creates awareness about the work that still needs to be done in the fight against the number one and number five killers of Americans: heart disease and stroke.

Each walker who joins and every dollar donated means more research, more people trained in CPR and more lifesaving moments for everyone. They all walk to save lives.

Malcom Glenn is a parent of a coronary heart disease survivor. He explains why his family participates in the walk. “Our steps are for our son Oliver and his brave journey, for the doctors who made his survival possible and for all those touched by congenital heart disease—past, present and future.”

Evan Surratt, who had an aortic dissection at the age of 30 and underwent emergency heart surgery, adds, “Despite challenges and complications, I want to keep pushing forward, remain present in my life, and share my story to raise awareness one step at a time.”

Trip Ritchie says, “I walk because I am a cardiac arrest and widow-maker heart attack survivor who was saved by CPR. I walk to educate others on the importance of learning CPR and of making healthy lifestyle choices.” 

To learn more about the Heart Walk, coming up on Saturday, February 28 at the Charleston River Dogs stadium, contact charlestonSC@heart.org or visit lowcountrysheartwalk.org.

Lowcountry Food Bank

Food insecurity is at a 20-year high within the 10 counties that the Lowcountry Food Bank serves throughout the state, according to the organization’s Chief Development Officer, Brenda Shaw. Funding from private donations, individuals and support from the community is more critical than ever in order to keep up with increasing numbers, on top of slashed federal grants

For Shaw, the most rewarding part of her job is “working alongside an amazing team of 170, all focused on making sure we do everything we can to get food and resources to our neighbors who need it most.” She adds, “Whether you volunteer for one day or give $10, it makes a tremendous impact in our community, helping those less fortunate have the opportunity to enjoy a meal during the holidays and beyond. Every small act of generosity helps us achieve that.” 

As a volunteer since 2016 and a member of the board of directors since 2021, Maria Mingo says she is passionate about helping out in the LCFB’s 50,000 square foot warehouse and Zucker Family Kitchen. “Food is a basic human right. Directly helping individuals, children and families access nutritious meals is a cause that is very close to my heart.”

Volunteer Megan Banker says she loves helping out anyway she can. “Food insecurity is a huge issue in our community, with one in five people struggling. I feel grateful for the opportunity to help and make a positive impact.” 

To inquire about volunteer opportunities, reach out to Development Events and Outreach Manager, Dana Vaughn, directly at dvaughn@lcfbank.org or call 843-747-8146, extension 170. For more information about making a donation or to inquire about assistance, visit lowcountryfoodbank.org.

Lowcountry Pregnancy Center

Since 1986, the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center has been addressing the needs of women and men who have found themselves in unplanned pregnancy situations and are seeking a safe place that offers support and compassion during a difficult time. Last year alone, the LPC assisted over 9,150 client visits with pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, parenting education and baby items. All the center’s services are free and confidential, and no proof of insurance or need is required.

As site director of the North Charleston branch, Naikala Brown explains, “One way we translate hope is by reminding women that they have worth and value; they matter.”  She adds that the center is able to offer their support services because of the generosity of the Lowcountry community. Their annual fundraising banquet will be held on Thursday, March 26 at the Charleston Gaillard Center, featuring author Lee Strobel as the keynote speaker. To reserve a table at the gala, make an online donation or learn about their services, visit LPCfriends.com. 

March of Dimes

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies and mothers by ending preventable maternal health risks and deaths, preterm birth and infant death, and closing the health equity gap for all families. As director of the nonprofit’s Maternal and Infant Health Initiative, Tameca Wilson, explains, “We achieve this through research, education, advocacy and programs that support families before, during and after pregnancy. Our work focuses on areas such as preterm birth, birth defects, infant mortality and maternal health equity.”

Wilson adds, “In South Carolina, we are proud to have four NICU Family Support programs, many of which have holiday wish lists as we approach the season of giving. Donations directly support our mission through research, education, advocacy and support. To find out how you can help, contact us through our website marchofdimes.org.”

Another way to contribute, she says, is by participating in the March for Babies, an event that brings people together through events across the country and online while raising critical funds to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time.

“The United States is the most dangerous high-income nation for childbirth,” Wilson explains. “This walk funds March of Dimes vital resources such as NICU Family Support® for families with a baby in the NICU, and promoting healthy pregnancies with Supportive Pregnancy Care.”

To make a donation or register for the 2026 March for Babies Walk, visit marchforbabies.org.

James Island Christian School

Throughout the year, James Island Christian School hosts several fundraisers to bring the school family together and help support their mission to provide Christ-centered academic excellence and biblically based education. “The funds raised go directly back into enhancing student life, supporting classroom resources, technology upgrades, athletics, fine arts and tuition assistance and ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow academically, spiritually and socially,” she says. Students also participate in community projects such as food drives, service days and outreach partnerships with local ministries such as Lifeline, James Island Outreach and Three Rivers Respite, to name a few. For additional information, visit jics.org.

More Ways to Support the Lowcountry This Holiday Season

» American Cancer Society  cancer.org 

» Birds of Prey Avian Conservation Center  thecenterforbirdsofprey.org 

» Charleston Animal Society  charlestonanimalsociety.org 

» Charleston Waterkeeper  charlestonwaterkeeper.org 

» Charleston Parks Conservancy  charlestonparksconservancy.org 

» Charleston Preservation Society  preservationsociety.org 

» Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center  deenortoncenter.org

» Fisher House Charleston  va.gov/charleston-health-care

» Florence Crittenton of South Carolina  youngmomstogether.org 

» Gibbes Museum of Art  gibbesmuseum.org 

» International African American Museum  iaamuseum.org 

» Lowcountry Orphan Relief  lowcountryorphanrelief.org 

» Make-A-Wish South Carolina  wish.org/sc

» Mugs for Moms  mugsformoms.org 

» My Sister’s House  mysistershouse.org 

» Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston  rmhcharleston.org 

» South Carolina Aquarium  scaquarium.org 

» We Are Sharing Hope SC  sharinghopesc.org