Woodmen Life donates $51k to One SC Fund, benefiting families in need

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — While the Senate has come to a temporary deal that could reopen the government and help temporarily fund SNAP benefits, donations are needed to keep local food banks in supply.

In the wake of the shutdown and with SNAP benefits’ funding in jeopardy, Governor Henry McMaster and local leaders activated the One SC Fund on October 28th to help feed those in need.

The charity takes in financial donations from citizens and businesses, providing emergency monetary assistance to the over 900 food banks and feeding partners across South Carolina.

On Monday, Woodmen Life, a local insurance agency, joined in the effort — donating $51,861.56 to the One SC Fund.

According to Georgia Mjartan, President of the Central Carolina Community Foundation (which handles the One SC Fund), over $300,000 has been raised — but most of that has come from individuals.

She says there have only been a few sizeable donations from two other corporations like the one made by Woodmen Life on Monday.

Tim Houlahan, Regional Director of Woodmen Life, says the organization is happy to do its part and is encouraging other companies to give as well.

“We do want to issue a challenge. We’re doing what we can, and we hope that all corporations might take a look at their budget, their budget sheets. It’s towards the end of the year. If there’s any excess, it might be a good time to make that donation. And I think this is a great program to be able to help all the food banks in the entire state by just making one donation in one place. So, we’re putting it in good hands,” says Houlahan.

For more information or to contribute to the One SC Fund, click here.

Over 550,000 individuals in SC are SNAP recipients.