You can lend a hand by donating money, food, clothing, building materials, etc., directly to a social ministry organization and/or church to help them help the needy.

You can lend a hand by making a tax deductible donation (using either a credit card, debit card, or checking account debit) to Social Ministry Programs in general and/or one of two specific social ministries: “Addiction Recovery Commission” and “HIV/AIDS Programs.” Please donate online here. If you have any questions about your donation, please email Ed Dyckman, Chair, Department of Social Ministries or call Ed at 843-367-5647. We will donate 100 percent of this money to churches and social ministry organizations conducting public events, e.g., gatherings, retreats, workshops, workdays, etc., that inspire people to help the needy in their communities.

You can lend a hand by volunteering your time and talent to help the needy by serving in a South Carolina social ministry organization or church. If you are not sure just how or where you might best fit in as a volunteer, answer the questions below and share your answers to help the organization match your unique gifts and interests to available volunteer openings. Here are the questions:

• What things have I done that have given me the greatest satisfaction within my church or community?
• What have I always wished I could do in my leisure time, through learning or as hobbies?
• How do I feel about my present involvement in volunteer services?
• What do I feel are my God given gifts? Which of these gifts do I enjoy the most? Which do I enjoy the least?
• If I am currently active in volunteering, what do I like/dislike about what I’m doing now?
• If I am currently inactive in volunteering, what would have to change in my life for me to become active?
• What would I like to see happen at the social ministry or church of my choice that would have real significance for me?
• If I have age/health limitations, what can I do easily, e.g., use the phone or computer; write notes/letters; sing; create art; prepare food; maintain property; pray; read to someone; provide educational assistance?
• If I am a teenager, will my school encourage my volunteering; what after school activities am I now engaged?
• How does my faith help me make decisions about my time?