For United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society, the April 24 Day of Action was a culmination of weeks of soliciting donations from companies and individuals throughout the Midlands.
By April 23, piles of shampoos, pajamas, bath salts, towels and much more were scattered around the United Way of the Midlands drop-off area. The piles of supplies donated were enough for volunteers to put together over 100 baskets for residents of Sistercare and drop off two UPS delivery truck loads to Hannah House as well.
“This project was our first community volunteer project of the year and the response really surpassed our expectations,” said Alvina Harrison, YLS steering committee member and volunteer sub-committee co-chair. “While we were in the planning stages, we were almost stressing, wondering if we were going to have enough to make the 60 baskets we committed to. Now, looking at the results, and the generous outpour from the community, it is truly amazing.”
Harrison said they contacted Sistercare and used flyers and personal e-mails to promote the supply drive.
Volunteers from UPS were instrumental in the success of this project. Many of the volunteers who put the baskets together on the Day of Action were from UPS and the company also provided a truck to make the delivery process as efficient as possible.
United Way of the Midlands ran an internal supply drive and served as the drop-off point for donations as well.
A viral Sistercare Campaign caught on almost immediately at Carolina First. “We sent an e-mail blast to our Midlands area locations—Aiken, Camden, Columbia and Florence—to let them know what was going on and our employees were very responsive,” said Patricia Cunningham, Assistant to the Midlands Market President. “I think what helped to make this so successful was the cause itself. People seemed very touched by the mission of Sistercare and were more than willing to reach out and get involved.”
NAI Avant not only collected goods for the Mother’s Day baskets, but also took the time to arrange beautiful gift baskets filled with fragrances, slippers, journals and other gift items.
Other companies who contributed by running their own supply drives for this project include AT&T, Century Heights Apartment Homes, First Citizens, McNair Law Firm and SCANA.
The efforts of YLS members, individual volunteers and corporate supply drives should not go unnoticed. Thanks to everyone involved, over 100 women will receive Mother’s Day baskets stuffed with items to make their day-to-day lives a little more pleasant.
Stay tuned in to YLS through Facebook to see pictures from this project and look for updates coming soon about future volunteer opportunities!
