where to get kids involved in serving or donating in myrtle beach
Myrtle Beach is an area of extremes. Working to reduce that disparity ought to be a focus for all of us. The holidays is a great time to embrace our blessings, proclaim our gratitude, and turn outward to serve those alongside us.
Here is a list of where to get kids involved in serving or donating in Myrtle Beach around Christmas.
ymca of coastal carolina
The YMCA has kicked off their Hope & Possibilities Fund with a goal of $25,000. Gifts of any size are welcome. Read more about their initiatives here.
thornwell
Thornwell is doing such critical work in our county. Their two main initiatives locally are to support families with low-cost but high-impact counseling services. And to support our area’s foster kids and foster parents. Read more about their work here.
toy/coat drives
YACHTS FOR TOTS is a fun way to raise awareness and do good in the community. Toy donations go to kids who might be falling through the cracks in Horry County and pet food donations go to the NMB Humane Society. here are the drop off locations for new, unwrapped toys and pet food. They’re accepting through Dec 24th. And if you want to attend the Christmas Regatta, mark your calendar for Nov 26 at 5pm.
CITY OF MYRTLE BEACH WINTER COAT DRIVE is happening now through Dec 1.
First Presbyterian Myrtle Beach does a large event to support 100-150 local families who need help providing Christmas for their kids. There are a few ways to get involved:
+ Make purchases to stock the “store”
+ Volunteer as a personal shopper at the ‘free store’ w/families
+ Volunteer to setup the shop, provide kid-care while families shop, and wrap gifts for these families.
The Darius Hemingway Foundation is collecting toys for kids in the Grand Strand. Drop off locations are listed on the flier. Families in need of help with Christmas gifts for their kids can also register to receive items via the link above. That event will be Dec 16.
HORRY COUNTY MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS has several drop off locations across the county. Here is a direct link to all 13 locations. All locations are accepting donations until 12/17.
In addition Quiet Storm is collecting donations at their three Myrtle Beach locations (Broadway, Tanger Outlets and Barefoot Landing).
Santa’s Village Christmas Drive | This is another big drive that even has options for older kids who tend to get overlooked in projects like this. They have angel trees setup all over town as well as locations to drop off new toys or make monetary donations. Visit their website to see all the ways to get involved.
They also have some lunch and dinner with Santa events listed for local restaurants on their events page.
The YMCA locations also have Angel Trees setup for families in need of support this Christmas.
Go grab one or make a monetary donation to the Angel Tree effort here.
other great local non-profits TO SUPPORT this holiday season & beyond
ASSOCIATED CHARITIES | Located at 742 Lumbar Street. This org has been serving Myrtle Beach’s homeless and impoverished population since 1952. They accept donations of all kinds (except mattresses and furniture) Mon–Fri from 9am–12pm.
Their specific needs list includes these items: men’s sneakers, t-shirts of all sizes, insect repellant, sunglasses, ladies shorts, adult-sized backpacks, and reading glasses.
Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach | This org assists individuals and families experiencing immediate and short-term needs with food, rent assistance, utilities and more. They have a current list of needs here.
A great activity to do with kids would be to prepare a “No Cook Food” bag for individuals whom the org helps who have no way to cook the food they receive. (Info on that here.)
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE GRAND STRAND | With a focus on youth development, specifically kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, this is an excellent NPO to support financially.
Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach | With the singular mission of feeding the hungry in Myrtle Beach this NPO has a big task given that SC has the 8th highest poverty rate in the country and 1 in 4 children in the county struggle with hunger.
