Category: Volunteer

SIHAF Hunger Awareness Challenge – Thank You!

The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) is delighted to announce that our generous donors have met our $200,000 Matching Challenge and have once again surpassed the goal with a grand total of $290,350.00! This includes all contributions, October 1 through December 31, 2023, to the Foundation in support of its fourteen (14) programs and partners.

We appreciate all who gave with your heart and contributed to meet and surpass the 2023-24 SIHAF Hunger Awareness Challenge, making it possible for us to provide healthy food one meal at a time and clean water. It means so much to so many!

It means that:

  • We can grant more funds to our local programs and partner organizations that serve our more than 2,500 neighbors on Johns and Wadmalaw. We can fight hunger by providing meals, groceries, and special programs to those families in need.
  • We can provide microwave ovens, stoves, and refrigerators to those who do not have one so that they can cook and store the food.
  • SIHAF’s Water Wellness Mission can provide water wells to the homes of those who lack clean water and assure that those wells and filtration systems will be maintained.
  • SIHAF’s all-volunteer team can continue to serve our neighbors efficiently and effectively. As reported by the South Carolina Secretary of State, 98.8% of all donations to SIHAF go directly to its mission of feeding the hungry and providing clean water to those in need.

Our sincere thanks to all our loyal donors who continue their generous support of SIHAF, its programs and partners throughout the year through planned or annual giving, grants and other gifts.

For more information about SIHAF as well how to donate, go to our website, fightislandhunger.org.

-Submitted by Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation

SIPOA is Looking for Committee Volunteers

SIPOA is Looking for Committee Volunteers

If you are interested in serving on a Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) committee in 2024, here is your chance to do so. Our SIPOA website has a description of all the SIPOA committees and approximate time commitments for each here. There is also a 2024 Committee Volunteer form you can submit electronically here. You may also find the information by going to sipoa.org and selecting 2024 Annual Meeting on the homepage.

Remember, if you currently serve on a committee, you must submit a new form for 2024.

Thank you!

-Submitted by Seabrook Island Property Owners Association

TOSI: Volunteers for Special Committees Needed

Town of Seabrook Island is seeking volunteers
for three new special committees.

During a special called meeting on January 4, 2024, Seabrook Island Town Council voted to establish three (3) new special committees:

  • Special Committee on ARPA Expenditures: The purpose of the Special Committee on ARPA Expenditures is to review the requirements of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, as authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), in order to identify, evaluate, and prioritize projects suitable for utilization by the town under and in accordance with its ARPA grant. The committee shall make its recommendations to Town Council no later than April 30, 2024. The Mayor will serve, ex officio, as chair of the committee. The remaining members will be nominated by the Mayor and appointed by a majority vote of Town Council. The remaining members will be drawn from a variety of professional backgrounds deemed appropriate by Town Council to the stated purpose of the committee. All members must be registered voters of the town. Unless extended by subsequent resolution of Town Council, all members will serve for a fixed term expiring on April 30, 2024.
  • Special Committee on Finance: The purpose of the Special Committee on Finance is to review and provide recommendations on any finance and budget-related matters which may be referred to the committee by the Mayor and/or Town Council. One member of Town Council will be appointed by the Mayor to serve as chair of the committee. The remaining members will be nominated by the Mayor and appointed by a majority vote of Town Council. The remaining members will be drawn from a diverse group of professional backgrounds and interests, and preference may be given to those with a professional background in accounting, banking, budgeting, finance, law, management, and related fields. Unless extended by subsequent resolution of Town Council, all members will serve for a fixed term expiring on December 31, 2024.
  • Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals: ​The purpose of the Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals is to bring together stakeholders from a variety of interests to study short-term rental activities and trends within the town and to recommend, no later than June 30, 2024, a comprehensive set of policy proposals that address a range of issues including, but not limited to: limiting the number of short-term rental units operating within the town; limiting the ownership of multiple short-term rental units within the town; the imposition of fair and reasonable fees and taxes related to short-term rental units; fair, reasonable, and enforceable rules to protect the life and safety of short-term rental unit occupants; and fair, reasonable, and enforceable rules to protect the life, safety, and quiet enjoyment of neighboring property owners and the community at large. One member of Town Council will be appointed by the Mayor to serve as chair of the committee. The remaining members will be nominated by the Mayor and appointed by a majority vote of Town Council. The remaining members will be drawn from a diverse group of interests including, but not limited to: owner(s) and/or manager(s) of duly permitted short-term rental units operating within the town; full-time resident(s) and/or property owner(s) of the town who do not own or manage a short-term rental unit within the town; licensed real estate agent(s) and/or broker(s) licensed to operate within the town; and such other interests or professions deemed appropriate by Town Council. Unless extended by subsequent resolution of Town Council, all members will serve for a fixed term expiring on June 30, 2024.

Each special committee will have a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of nine (9) members and will meet on such dates and times as are scheduled by the chair or a majority of the committee’s membership. All meetings will be held at Seabrook Island Town Hall, unless otherwise advertised, and will be open to the public.

Interested in Serving?

Individuals who are interested in serving on a special committee (or any other town board, commission or committee) are encouraged to complete an online Volunteer Application Form as soon as possible.

Town Council is scheduled to make committee appointments during its next regular meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, so preference will be given to applications which are received by 12:00 pm on Friday, January 21, 2024.

For more information, please contact Town Hall by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org.

-Submitted by Town of Seabrook Island

Holiday Canned Food Drive Ends Friday, Dec 8

8th Annual SIPOA

Holiday Canned Food Drive

November 1 – December 8, 2023

Goal – 5,000 pounds

Seabrookers contributed  5,910 pounds of food items last year!

One way to make our own holiday celebrations even more meaningful is to help our neighbors in need on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. When you go grocery shopping, please consider purchasing a couple of extra cans of food, or even better, multi-packs of canned food items, for distribution to the clients of the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF). Protein items like hearty or chunky soups, stews, chili, corned beef hash, tuna, and canned chicken, as well as canned vegetables and fruit, are especially appreciated. No glass or out-of-date items, please.

Donations and contributions can be delivered to The Lake House lobby beginning November 1. Place your items in the bin under the new donations sign behind the column. All donations will be weighed before they are picked up.

Grocery bags with handles are still very much needed and can be dropped off along with your food donations.

Together, we can fight hunger, one meal at a time!

-Submitted by SIPOA

Holiday Canned Food Drive at The Lake House

8th Annual SIPOA

Holiday Canned Food Drive

November 1 – December 8, 2023

Goal – 5,000 pounds

Seabrookers contributed  5,910 pounds of food items last year!

One way to make our own holiday celebrations even more meaningful is to help our neighbors in need on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. When you go grocery shopping, please consider purchasing a couple of extra cans of food, or even better, multi-packs of canned food items, for distribution to the clients of the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF). Protein items like hearty or chunky soups, stews, chili, corned beef hash, tuna, and canned chicken, as well as canned vegetables and fruit, are especially appreciated. No glass or out-of-date items, please.

Donations and contributions can be delivered to The Lake House lobby beginning November 1. Place your items in the bin under the new donations sign behind the column. All donations will be weighed before they are picked up.

Grocery bags with handles are still very much needed and can be dropped off along with your food donations.

Together, we can fight hunger, one meal at a time!

-Submitted by SIPOA

Holiday Canned Food Drive at The Lake House

8th Annual SIPOA

Holiday Canned Food Drive

November 1 – December 8, 2023

Goal – 5,000 pounds

Seabrookers contributed almost 5,910 pounds of food items last year!

One way to make our own holiday celebrations even more meaningful is to help our neighbors in need on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. When you go grocery shopping, please purchase a couple of extra cans of food, or even better, multi-packs of canned food items, for distribution to the clients of the Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF). Protein items like hearty or chunky soups, stews, chili, corned beef hash, tuna, and canned chicken, as well as canned vegetables and fruit, are especially appreciated. No glass or out-of-date items, please.

Donations and contributions can be delivered to The Lake House lobby beginning November 1. Place your items in the bin under the new donations sign behind the column. All donations will be weighed before they are picked up.

Grocery bags with handles are still very much needed and can be dropped off along with your food donations.

Together, we can fight hunger, one meal at a time!

-Submitted by SIPOA

Free Tax Prep Program Seeks Local Volunteers

VITA (Volunteers Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS program that provides tax preparation help, free of charge, with a special focus on low to moderate income taxpayers 50 years old and older, to help them get the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

The key to providing this service is local volunteers who are trained and IRS certified. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and will become familiar with IRS/SC tax rules and regulations. Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and needed to serve clients in the Charleston area, including Johns and James Islands. Familiarity with income tax returns and technology is helpful but not required.

Tax counselors are expected to be available for 4 hours one day per week February 1 to April 15, 2024. 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 Charleston District Recruitment Coordinator, Fran Williams at (803) 443-1878, or email  francesca.m.williams@gmail.com for more information. 

To learn about the VITA Program, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: IRS VITA Program)

Volunteers Needed For CATR

Are you looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer experience? Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) on nearby River Road is looking for volunteers. They will be offering a three-hour volunteer training on Saturday morning, August 26, from 9:00 am to noon.

Volunteers serve as side walkers and companions to assist CATR’s clients with both mounted and unmounted activities tailored to each student’s needs. Students of all ages are drawn from local public and private schools, group homes, rehabilitation centers, and families. The students present with a wide array of physical, emotional, and developmental challenges that can benefit from equine assisted activities. 

Volunteers need no previous experience with horses and are asked to contribute at least one hour per week to the program after completing the training. For more information and to register for the training, email volunteers@catr-program.org or call 843-559-6040.

-Submitted by Norm Powers for CATR

(Image credit: CATR)