12th Annual Midlands Gives raises millions for local nonprofits

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Tuesday marks the return of Midlands Gives — an annual day of giving to help and celebrate over 600 local nonprofits.

Hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation, the 18-hour giving challenge encourages Midlands residents to give what they can, even if it’s just a little, to help nonprofits in need.

Nonprofits like Able South Carolina, which helps South Carolinians with disabilities.

“We work everyday to fight for disability rights and equity in our communities around South Carolina. We have really been hit by funding impacts lately and so for us to continue to do our work it’s imperative,” says Dori Tempio.

And Anointed Grace Living, which helps restore the lives of women experiencing homelessness.

“I’m a restoring organization. I go to the shelter and I do restoring classes and peer support and to help them support and get back on their feet,” says Louise Merchant.

The nonprofit TyJasKey helps provide youth in the Northeast with academic enrichment and mentoring services through summer and athletic camps.

“Financially it helps for our summer camps. We have certified teachers and there’s a lot of parents who cannot afford to have their child in an academic summer camp so the finance today would help us pay our teachers for the summer camp,” says Kennis Dawson.

Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes throughout Richland Lexington and Fairfield counties.

“We always talk about when we’re in really hard times, what do you do? You look for helpers and you look for people that are wanting to get involved in the community and today is all about that. It’s just a day to give back and to really make an impact where you live in the community,” says Jennifer Hodges.

And Cola Gives, through its Community Youth Force, teaches young people how to be giving, and understand the power and blessings in giving to others.

“I have been blessed to be a blessing. And if that’s the case, then whatever blessings I receive, I have to give back and number 2 I have to teach others to do the same. You never know when it’s gonna be you, by the grace of god it’s not me this year, so teaching others the need to be philanthropists,” says Jackie Griffin.

For a complete list of Midlands nonprofits click here.

At the time of this article, Midlands Gives has raised a total of over $2,425,000.