Florence Comes Together for a Day of Caring
Florence, SC – On a beautiful September day, marked by a foggy morning that gave way to a sunny afternoon, the community came together for a heartwarming annual event. The United Way of Florence County’s Day of Caring took place on September 20, 2024, bringing together volunteers from 34 companies and organizations to complete over 70 projects for local nonprofits. With temperatures soaring to a pleasant 86°F, the atmosphere was perfect for a day filled with teamwork, creativity, and community spirit.
Bright Ideas and Vibrant Colors
Among the highlights of the day was the creation of a stunning mural in the conference room of the United Way. Lindsay Floyd, a talented digital creator, was at the forefront of this artistic endeavor. This mural wasn’t just a beautiful addition to the space; it represented the core focuses of the organization, including education for children ages 0-4, mental health, and home rehabilitation. Lindsay shared that she faced a creative block at first but persevered, eventually combining her ideas into a piece that not only made her proud but also resonated with the United Way staff.
“I’ve been drawing all my life,” Lindsay mentioned, reflecting on her journey as she dipped her brush in vibrant colors. “It’s wonderful to leave a mark on the community.”
A Community Effort
The day began with a communal breakfast where volunteers from various companies energized themselves for a day of hard work. Among the eager participants were employees from Field Fasteners, Pepsi Cola of Florence, and multiple banks. They rolled up their sleeves to tackle various projects across the community.
“We encourage our team to give back,” said Brad White, a Field Fastener employee. He was busy replacing lights in the United Way building, a task he deemed essential for ensuring the facilities were safe and welcoming. “This is our way of supporting the mission of organizations that do so much for Florence.”
Making a Difference in Lives
Volunteers from Pepsi Cola focused their efforts on a property owned by Tenacious Grace, an organization dedicated to helping women recover from challenging circumstances. They not only cleaned up the yard but also gutted a kitchen to prepare for renovations. Tammy Hicks from Pepsi emphasized the longstanding commitment of her company, sharing that they have participated in the Day of Caring since its inception. “It’s a blessing to be able to help others,” she said.
The enthusiasm didn’t stop there. Employees from First Citizens Bank and Anderson Brothers Bank were also busy helping the Florence Area Literacy Council, which has been serving the community for 45 years. They painted, reorganized, and even set up new furniture, all to ensure that the council could continue offering vital literacy services to those who need them most.
Hope and Community Support
One of the most touched volunteers was Jamie Carsteen, who expressed how meaningful this day was for the Literacy Council, especially given the statistic that 33% of adults in Florence County struggle with basic literacy. “The projects we completed today are dreams come true for us,” said Executive Director Christina Lawson. “These improvements allow us to focus our funds on our core mission rather than maintenance.”
Conclusion: A Day to Remember
As the sun began to set, the fruits of teamwork and hard work were bountifully evident throughout Florence. The Day of Caring reaffirmed the community’s commitment to togetherness and support, showcasing that a little effort can lead to significant change. With each brushstroke on the mural, every replaced light bulb, and each yard cleaned, Florence demonstrated what it truly means to care.
Shanna Wyatt, one of the volunteers from ADP, perfectly summed up the day: “It’s about doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return. That’s the essence of community.”
