Category: Volunteer

Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island (BPBSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide nutritious weekend meals to children living below the poverty line. Since 2014, BPBSI has been helping to feed food-insecure children attending school in Charleston County.

During the past year, BPBSI has served 352 children in three schools: Mt. Zion Elementary School, Lambs Elementary School, and Johns Island Elementary School.

Recently, Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach on Johns Island approached BPBSI for help in supporting 16 children enrolled in their after-school program. While the Lowcountry Food Bank provides healthy meals during the week at the community center, these children still face a critical gap in access to nutritious food over the weekends. Since the mission of BPBSI is to provide weekend meals and snacks to children in need, it was proud to step in and help meet this need.

Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island is excited to welcome the newest member to the BPBSI community and looks forward to helping ensure local children have the food they need on the weekends.

Thank you for joining us in making a difference and helping ensure local children have the food they need to thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring community—one backpack at a time.

To learn more about Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island, click here.

-Submitted by Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS program that provides free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low-to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA volunteers help taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and are needed to serve clients in the Charleston area, including Johns and James Islands, with basic tax returns. No prior tax preparation experience is needed, and being comfortable operating a laptop computer is helpful. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and will become familiar with IRS/SC tax rules and regulations. The key to providing this service is local volunteers who are willing to help out.

Tax counselors are expected to be available at least four hours one day per week from mid-February through April 2026. The reality is that many people travel, so schedule adjustments can be made. It’s a great way to learn new skills, assist in helping others, and become more involved in your community.

Please consider joining our local volunteer team! Contact the Lowcountry VITA Recruitment Coordinator, Anne Woods, at (602) 785-1836 or email  annwoodsaz@gmail.com for more information. 

To learn about the VITA Program, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: IRS VITA Program)

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS program that provides free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low- to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA volunteers help taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and are needed to serve clients in the Charleston area, including Johns and James Islands, with basic tax returns. No prior tax preparation experience is needed, and being comfortable operating a laptop computer is helpful. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and will become familiar with IRS/SC tax rules and regulations. The key to providing this service is local volunteers who are willing to help out.

Tax counselors are expected to be available at least four hours one day per week from mid-February through April 2026. The reality is that many people travel, so schedule adjustments can be made. It’s a great way to learn new skills, assist in helping others, and become more involved in your community.

Please consider joining our local volunteer team! Contact the Lowcountry VITA Recruitment Coordinator, Anne Woods, at (602) 785-1836 or email  annwoodsaz@gmail.com for more information. 

To learn about the VITA Program, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: IRS VITA Program)