Category: Volunteer

Free Tax Prep Program Seeks Local Volunteers

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)

Free Tax Prep Program Seeks Local Volunteers

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)

Habitat for Humanity Happenings

Mark your calendars—Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s signature events are back and better than ever! Join us for our Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, October 4, for a day of friendly competition and community fun on the courts. Then, don’t miss our biggest celebration of the year: the Raise the Roof Auction on Thursday, October 16—an unforgettable evening filled with great food, incredible auction items, and the chance to support affordable housing in a big way.

Registration for both events opens August 1.

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization whose vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1978, we have been working to provide affordable housing solutions for families in need across James, Johns, and Wadmalaw Islands and the surrounding areas. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, we empower families to achieve the dream of homeownership and create a lasting impact in our community by providing a hand-up, not a handout.

Questions? Email us a development@seaislandhabitat.org

-Submitted by Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

(Image credit: seaislandhabitat.org)

Backpack Buddies SI Celebrates Another Successful Year

Backpack Buddies is a nationwide movement that provides supplemental, nutritious food to children who experience hunger on the weekends during the school year when they can’t access school meals. It is designed to bridge the gap for food-insecure children who depend on free or reduced meals during the school week.

Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island (BPBSI), a self-funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit, is run by a dedicated team of 135 volunteers. These volunteers do all the work that is necessary to provide these meals, from purchasing and packing food to delivering it directly to schools. The schools served this year were Mt. Zion Elementary School (115 children), Lambs Elementary School (152 children), and St. John’s High School (110 children).

Continue reading “Backpack Buddies SI Celebrates Another Successful Year”

Framing Our Future June 3

Join us for Framing Our Future Happy Hour & Celebration as we celebrate a major milestone in our capital campaign and launch the next chapter of building a brand new Habitat neighborhood. Enjoy light bites, beer, and wine, and the unveiling of the neighborhood name and house plans. Plus, every donation will be matched up to $100,000—doubling your impact!

Be part of this joyful moment as we build homes, hope, and a stronger Sea Island community.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
4:30 – 6:30 pm
5999 Kiawah River Drive
Johns Island, SC 29455

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization whose vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since 1978, we have been working to provide affordable housing solutions for families in need across James, Johns, and Wadmalaw Islands and the surrounding areas. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, we empower families to achieve the dream of homeownership and create a lasting impact in our community by providing a hand-up, not a handout.

-Submitted by Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

Seabrook Island Turtle Season Begins

The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol (SITP) is an environmental conservation group working under the authority of the SC Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and dedicated to the protection and preservation of the sea turtles that nest on our beach and visit the ocean and waterways around our island. For all of you who have seen us in our brightly colored t-shirts at all hours of the day and wondered… 

“What the heck are those people doing?“

  • From May 1 until the last nest hatches, we have dedicated crews walking the beach at dawn looking for signs of a momma turtle.
  • Nests are protected from the elements and other wildlife as specified by the SC DNR until they hatch or “boil”.
  • Pick up trash and all sorts of odd bits left on the beach. 
  • Happily answer questions.
  • Take lots of sunrise pictures.
  • Tend to stranded turtles and other wildlife by contacting the appropriate authorities. If you are downtown, stop in and say hello to Rose at the SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Care Center. Rose, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found cold-stunned and washed ashore on Seabrook Island.
  • Care for the nests at all times of day.
  • Conduct inventories of the nests and provide data to the DNR.

So, what can you do?

Continue reading “Seabrook Island Turtle Season Begins”

Adopt-a-Highway April 5

Sweepers are invited to the Saturday, April 5 Adopt-a-Highway Sweep, weather permitting. It is a great way to meet new people and old friends, get some exercise, and beautify the entry to Seabrook Island.

Meet at the Lake House around 9:00 am. Sweepers will be provided with pick-up sticks, neon orange vests, and bags. We will sweep for approximately 2 hours or as long as you are able. Each bag should weigh no more than 15 pounds and personal safety is first and foremost for all participants. On average, three bags of trash are collected by a participant.

Participants may choose the area along Betsy Kerrison/Bohicket/River Road they would like to see tidied up or go to an assigned area.

Unable to make this sweep this event? The future date is May 17.

If you plan to participate, RSVP to Mary Gwyn at mkginmd@verizon.net.

Hope you will be able to join us!

-Submitted by SIPOA

Reminder: Orientations for Dolphin Volunteers

The Kiawah-Seabrook Island Dolphin Education Program will hold two introductory dolphin volunteer orientations at the Seabrook Island Community Center (2241 Oyster Catcher Court). Kiawah and Seabrook residents will have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the volunteer program on the following dates:

  • Monday, March 24, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, followed by a walk to Capt. Sam’s spit.
  • Thursday, April 10, from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, followed by a walk to Capt. Sam’s spit.

The walks are optional but will provide attendees with a better understanding of what the volunteers do. Attending the orientations does not commit you to being a volunteer. 

To RSVP, email Lauren Rust here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network)

Love Your Neighbor Celebration March 22

Love Your Neighbor Celebration- An Evening of Elegance, Jazz, and Generosity

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach is thrilled to announce its annual Love Your Neighbor Celebration, a premier fundraising event set to take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the newly opened Dunlin Resort.

This elegant evening will bring together supporters, philanthropists, and community members to raise crucial funds for programs that provide education, healthcare, and essential resources to neighbors in need.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now! To purchase tickets, make a donation, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Marnie Bonn at marnie.bonn@olmoutreach.org.

The mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach is to build equitable communities and empower individuals to reach their full potential by providing basic and emergency needs, education, employment, and health services. Click here to learn more.

-Submitted by Lucy Walton

Upcoming Dolphin Volunteer Orientations

The Kiawah-Seabrook Island Dolphin Education Program will hold two introductory dolphin volunteer orientations at the Seabrook Island Community Center (2241 Oyster Catcher Court). Kiawah and Seabrook residents will have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the volunteer program on the following dates:

  • Monday, March 24, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, followed by a walk to Capt. Sam’s spit.
  • Thursday, April 10, from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, followed by a walk to Capt. Sam’s spit.

The walks are optional but will provide attendees with a better understanding of what the volunteers do. Attending the orientations does not commit you to being a volunteer. 

To RSVP, email Lauren Rust here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network)

Reminder: Habitat Women Build – March 11 to 15

It’s not too late to sign up for Women Build!

Women Build Week is a testament to the power of women uniting to impact their community. It allows individuals of all skill levels to come together, make a real difference, and help provide safe and affordable housing in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to volunteering, this is your opportunity to learn valuable skills, work alongside an inspiring group of women, and support Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

You can work a half-day, all day, or several days.

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this meaningful initiative. By participating in Women Build 2025, you’ll join a dedicated group of women committed to creating lasting change and strengthening our neighborhoods. Together, we can build hope and transform lives, one home at a time!

Dates: March 11-15, 2025
Cost: $50 donation
Build Shifts: Choose up to two half-day shifts
• Morning Shift: 8:00 am – 11:30 am
• Afternoon Shift: 12:30 pm- 4:00 pm

Your donation includes lunch and a T-shirt.

Continue reading “Reminder: Habitat Women Build – March 11 to 15”